"Your father says he can spare you for a day or two. I wish you'd come
down to my place to-night. I'm planning a trip. I don't suppose John
would loan you Beauty for a couple of days?"

Douglas shook his head.

"Well," Charleton went on, "I guess Buster can stand up under the work."

"Buster belongs to Judith now. I've been trying to get time to break that
dapple gray Young Jeff gave me, after the trial. He's a good horse.
Darned if I don't think I can ride him now!"

"I know that horse and he is a good one," agreed Charleton. "Ride the
young moose if you can stick on him. You'll need all his wind and limb on
this trip!" and Charleton trotted away.

It was full starlight that night when Douglas freed his feet from the
stirrups before Charleton's door and jumped like lightning from the
saddle. His horse jumped with him, landing in the kitchen as Douglas
brought up against the door-jamb. There was a roar of laughter from
within, and as the horse lunged backward out of the door, Charleton
appeared.

"So you and the moose are here! Better hobble him, Doug!"

Douglas laughed and tied the rearing horse to a hayrack. Then he followed
Charleton into the kitchen. Scott Parsons was sitting by the table, hat
on the back of his head, spurred boots on the cold stove hearth. Mrs.
Falkner was just finishing the supper dishes. She greeted Douglas with