Page:The Cross Pull.pdf/58

 after first one animal and the next—studying how they act and all. He even claims they talk among themselves in sounds and smells.”

“A naturalist,” said the girl.

“That’s him. He’s a naturalist sure enough. He came in through Sunlight Gap and hit this country near three months ago. No one’s seen him since. He’s camped around here close. But you can’t buy Flash, Betty. Moran keeps him for company when he’s out alone.”

“Then I won’t try to buy him,” the girl generously decided.

Kinney chuckled as he rolled over and prepared to resume his interrupted slumbers.

The two men slept but Flash lay motionless beside the girl. Her hand rested on his head and held him. Her regular breathing soon announced that she too was asleep.

Flash heard their horses moving around farther up the valley. He slipped away and went up to look them over. One horse was picketed and the rest were grazing near. He went back to the girl.

Twice during the night she half woke.

“Flash,” she said sleepily each time. “Flash, old fellow, are you still here?” And stretched out her hand to touch him.