No one expected them, and only the men on duty at the corrals
knew of the return. Bostil, much relieved to get home, went to bed and at once
fell asleep.
He awakened at a late hour for him. When he dressed and went out to the
kitchen he found that his sister had learned of his return and had breakfast
waiting.
"Where's the girl?" asked Bostil.
"Not up yet," replied Aunt Jane.
"What!"
"Lucy and I had a tiff last night and she went to her room in a temper."
"Nothin' new about thet."
"Holley and I have had our troubles holding her in. Don't you forget that."
Bostil laughed. "Wal, call her an' tell her I'm home."
Aunt Jane did as she was bidden. Bostil finished his breakfast. But Lucy did
not come.
Bostil began to feel something strange, and, going to Lucy's door, he knocked.
There was no reply. Bostil pushed open the door. Lucy was not in evidence, and
her room was not as tidy as usual. He saw her white dress thrown upon the bed
she had not slept in. Bostil gazed around with a queer contraction of the
heart.
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