arrived at manhood had proved themselves the equals of any cowboy
on the range in horsemanship and kindred accomplishments. Dick,
the elder brother, was a steady, reliable fellow, modest as he
was brave, and remarkably quick-witted and resourceful in
emergencies. He gave his confidence over readily to his fellows,
but if he ever found himself deceived, withdrew it absolutely. It
was probably this last characteristic that attracted to him Echo
Allen's especial regard, for it was also her distinguishing
trait. "You have got to act square with Echo," her father was
wont to say, "for if you don't you'll never make it square with
her afterward."

Bud was a generous-hearted, impetuous boy, who responded warmly
to affection. He repaid his elder brother's protecting care with
a loyalty that knew no bounds. The Colonel, who was a strict
disciplinarian, frequently punished him in his boyhood for
wayward acts, and the little fellow made no resistance--only
sobbed in deep penitence. Once, however, when Uncle Jim, as the
boys and Polly called him, felt compelled to apply to rod to
Dick--unjustly, as it afterward appeared--Bud burst into a
tempest of passionate tears, and, leaping upon the Colonel's
back, clung there clawing and striking like a wildcat until Allen
was forced to let Dick go. It is shrewdly indicative of the
Colonel's character that not only did he refrain from punishing
Bud on that occasion, but, when floggings were subsequently due
the little fellow, laid on the rod less heavily out of regard for
the loyalty to his brother he had then displayed.

This attack also won the admiration of Polly Hope, who was
something of a spitfire herself. A little jealous of Dick for