CHAPTER VI

LITTLE SWIFT CROSSES THE DIVIDE

"Ride 'em till they drop, then break another. That's what Nature does and
that's what I do."

--_John Spencer_


The following afternoon when Douglas rode after the mail he went round by
the west trail to call on Charleton. He found the crippled philosopher
propped up in bed, reading the _Atlantic Monthly_ and smoking a pipe.
Mrs. Falkner and Little Marion were in the corral doing the chores.

"Well, how's the Moose after his disappointment?" asked Charleton.

"Going strong! Any news of Scott?"

"No; I don't expect any news for a week till I get on my feet."

"I guess we might as well let him go and try again without him," said
Doug, looking out the door at Little Marion, who was astride a saddleless
mule which was doing its best to climb the corral fence.

Charleton grinned. "No one can double-cross me without my taking the
trouble to show him he can't do it twice, can they, Marion?" as his wife
came in with an armload of wood she had just split.

"You are as revengeful as a wolf, if that's what you mean," replied Mrs.