rmance. Nurse says he was flighty and
feverish and I don't wonder. Doctor claims he'd rather have had a clean,
sharp break to mend than all those bruised and torn ligaments. However,
don't you worry. This party is going to be a success--don't doubt. Sorry
to leave you with seven young folks on your hands--a little world in
themselves, of varying ideas and wills. They can easily spend this first
half-day in inspecting the ranch and, if they're as healthy and happy as
they seem, will be too interested to give much thought to Master James.
Good-by, don't worry."

However, although they felt it would be well to wait for the injured Jim
before beginning their lessons in shooting, Lemuel himself took the
matter out of their hands, explaining:

"I've lived long enough to know there ain't never but one time to do one
thing, an' that if a feller don't snatch it then, afore it gets out o'
reach, he'll be sorry forever atterwards. We'll go inspect the boys'
quarters first hand. That's a part o' my business, anyway. Makes 'em
mad, sometimes, but it's for their good. Nothin' like the army for
trainin' folks right, an' so I tell 'em. Get jawed for it a pretty
consid'able, but Lemuel G. W. Hunt--I'm named for the Father of my
Country, Ma'am--Lemuel G. W. Hunt always does his duty, let come what
follers atterwards. Right this way, Ma'am. Hep, hep, hep, right face!"

The odd fellow led off with a military step and catching his humor the
boys did likewise. Then, the girls laughed and marched, Herbert
gallantly escorting Mrs. Ford, as the eighth of the little "Company A,"
as Leslie immediately named the new "awkward squad."

"And I say, Lem, it'll be just rippin' if you'll drill us in regular
'tactics.' Once a day, anyhow. I'll get Dad to furnish the uniforms and
it'll be a help because, you know, I'm bound for West Point sometime,"
cried Leslie.

Lady Gray's face resumed its look of anxiety that had passed for a
moment, listening to Lemuel's talk. This West Point ambition of her
son's was a sore subject with her, though his great 