something to Prince. He barked and they trotted over to the plains east
of the post-office.

"She's got a dead coyote she keeps up there for her special friends,"
said Peter. "What's your trouble, Doug?"

Douglas sat down in Sister's place. "I've been over to see Charleton, and
his wife said something that struck me as queer." He repeated Marion's
comment.

Peter laughed. "The women in this valley beat any bunch I've seen
anywhere. If the men were their equals, there wouldn't be a spot in the
world could touch Lost Chief. What do you think of Charleton's mind,
Doug?"

"I think he's a wonder. He's lived, that guy."

"Any guy of forty has lived. It's the way they look at life that makes
men different. Charleton hasn't any faith in anything good. That's why
he's unlucky. Don't let him influence you too much, Doug. I like
Charleton but he's not good medicine for a boy of your kind. Have you
thought anything about my offer of a couple of months ago?"

"Not much. I'm putting in most of my time worrying about Jude."

"Has she been doing anything special?"

"Well, yes. If I could just make her care for me, it would be easy. But,
Peter, she cares a lot more for that poor old broken down Swift than she
does for me."