And he choked over the dipper of water even as Billy choked over his glee, and left the ranch within fifteen minutes and rode, as Billy observed to the girl, "with a haughty spine." "Oh, joy!" chuckled Billy when he lived those minutes over again, and punched the pillow facetiously.

"Oh, joy, oh Johnathan! I guess maybe he didn't get a jolt, huh?
And the way--the very _tone_ when I called her Flora--sounded like the day was set for the wedding and we'd gone and ordered the furniture!" The mood of him was still triumphant three days after when he turned in his saddle and waved his hand to Flora, who waved wistfully back at him.

"It ain't any cinch right now--but I'll have her yet," he cheered himself when the twinge of parting was keenest..