The Holly chieftain., 1923-08-09
CHAPTER XVII
Westlaks BrIHos Nsvve.

Westlaxs Brings Nswa
In the week that followed, the part
ners Of the Three Star managed to
find many hours for holiday-making.
The ranch ran well on its own rou-
tine, and Molly was princess to be
entertained. Kate Nicholson emerged
from her chrysalis and became almost
a butterfly rather than the pale gray
moth they had fancied her. Even
Miranda revised her opinion. The
Nicholsons, 1t came out, had been
family Of some consequence and a
fair degree of riches in South Caro-
lima before an unfortunate specula-
ton had taken everything.
Kate Nicholson, left alone soon
afterward, had assumed the role Of
governess or companion with more or
less success and drifted on, sub
merged :n the families who had used
her services, until Keith had secured
her for the post with Molly when
things had seemed particularly black.
Now. riding with Molly, with Sam and
Sandy for escorts, over the open range
or up into the canyons, on picnics. the
years slid of from her. She laughed
understandingly and talked spontane-
ously. Evenings, when they would
return to the disconsolate Mormon,
who bewailed openly his lack of
saddle ease, they found, two nights
out Of three, Miranda Bailey, self
charioted in her flivver with offerings
Of cake and doughnuts to supplement
Pedro's still uncertain efforts.
Molly chuckled once to Sandy.
''Miranda's DEAR" she said. II
wish she'd marry Mormon. But Kate
Nicholson Is q far better cook than
she Is. Only she won't do anything
for fear Of hurting M.anda,s feel
ings."
Yet the g0verness did cook on occa-
sion, trout that they caught in the
mountain streams, and camp biscuits
and fragrant coffee when they made
excursions. so deft a presiding genius
Of the campfire that Sam declared
she belonged to Sageland.
II love It," she answered, sleeves
tucked to the elbow. STOPPING over the
fire, her face full Of color, tucking
vagrant wisp Of hair into place
Sam had stopped playing, Kate
Nicholson was weaving chords in mu-
sic unknown to those who listened.
save that 1t seemed to speak some
common language that had been for
gotten since childhood. Ths fire shift
ed, there was silence in the big room.
Mormon sat shading his face, Miranda
Bailey beside him, her knitting idle.
Sam lounged in shady corner near
the harmonium. Grit lay asleep. It
was infinitely peaceful.
There was the sound Of motor
outside, the honk of a horn. The door
opened and a man came; in, gazing un-
certainly about him in the half-light-
Westlake.
'This is the Three Star, isn't itr
he asked, evidently puzzled at the
group.
Sandy lit the big lamp as they all
rose, Grit nosing the engineer, accept
Ing him.
"sure is." he said. "You know Miss
Bailey, Westlake7 Miss Keith an
Miss Nicholson, Mr.. westlake. They
both know something about you.
Come to stay, hope"
His voice was cordial as he gripped
Westlake's hand. though the remem-
brance Of what Sam had said at the
mining camp leaped up within him.
Westlake and Molly! Here was
man who might mate with her, might
suit her wonderfully well. Upstand-
ing, educated, no lightweight pleasure
seeker, as he estimated Ronald Keith.
Here was a complication in his
dreams of happiness that he had lost
slsht Of.
"If you can put up with me. for
bit," said Westlake. i've come partly
on business, Bourke. I've left Casey
Town. came over with a machine
from the garage at Hereford. I'll
get my things and send him back"
Sandy went outside with him and
helped him with his grips. The ma
chine started. fe
quit helthT asked SANDY.
"Yes; we had a misunderstanding.
About my staying here, Bourke. It
may be bit awkward. Young Don
aid Keith intends coming over. 1 am
sure he doesn't know a thing about
his fathers business affairs. But I
have strong hunch that Keith him
self will be along later to Offset any
talk he thinks I may have with you.
He'll figure five come here. He doesn't
know all that I have found out, at
that. II It's likely to embarrass you
or your guests in the least TIL go on
to Denver tomorrow. I'm headed that
way. I've got a South American
proposition in view. Wired them yes
terday and may hear at any minute"
"Shucks!" said Sandy. "Yo're my
friend. Young Keith don't interest
me, save as Molly wants to entertain
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