She was
surprised to find him grave.
"Yes, except my horse and dog, and I had to leave them behind,"
answered Joe, bowing his head a little.
"You'd like to be Jim because he's a preacher, and could help uncle
convert the Indians?"
"Yes, partly that, but mostly because--somehow--something you've
said or done has made me care for you in a different way, and I'd
like to be worthy of you."
"I don't think I can believe it, when you say you are 'no good,'"
she replied.
"Nell," he cried, and suddenly grasped her hand.
She wrenched herself free, and leaped away from him. Her face was
bright now, and the promise of smiles was made good.
"Behave yourself, sir." She tossed her head with a familiar backward
motion to throw the chestnut hair from her face, and looked at him
with eyes veiled slightly under their lashes. "You will go with Kate
and me?"
Before he could answer, a cry from some one on the plain below
attracted their attention. They turned and saw another wagon-train
pulling into the settlement. The children were shooting and running
alongside the weary oxen; men and women went forward expectantly.
"That must be the train uncle expected. Let us go down," said Nell.
Joe did not answer; but followed her down the path. When they gained
a clump of willows near the cabins he bent forward and took her
hand.
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