But I don't understand.'
We'll finish the sandwiches,and melt some snow for water,and then mount.Look--see those two Indian ponies fastened to the tongue of the stage?They'll carry us to the next station like the wind.
She stared from the window,bewildered.
I don't know any more about them than you,he answered her thoughts.But there they are and here we are.He said nothing about the bodies evidently carried away by those who had brought the ponies.It's all a mystery--a mystery of the plains.I haven't unraveled the very first thread of--it.What's the use?The western way is to take what comes,isn't it,whether northers or ponies?There's a much bigger mystery than all that filling my mind.
What is that?You.
She bent over the sandwich with heightened color.Poor Brick!she murmured as if to divert his thoughts.But his sympathy just then was not for Brick.
Lahoma,you said that this is a subject a man should bring up.She looked at him brightly,still flushing.Well?
I'm bringing it up,Lahoma.
But we must be planning to save Brick from arrest.
I'm hoping we'll get home in time--note that I say HOME,Lahoma.I refer to the cove.I'm hoping we'll reach home in time to forestall Red Kimball.We've lost a great deal of time,but Brick doubtless is safely hiding.And when we get to the journey's end--Lahoma,do you know what naturally comes at the journey's end?
A marriage.
I thought that was what you meant.Will you marry me at the journey's end?
Lahoma turned very red and laid down the sandwich.Then she laughed.Then she started up.Let's get on the ponies!she cried.