Part 30 (1/2)

But as the lumbering vehicle neared, the pa.s.sengers were seen to be all adults--a west valley rancher, his wife and grown daughters. Then, just as the watchers had given up hope, the two laughing boys dropped from the back of the stage and ran up the stone stairs.

Paying no heed to the others, Bob leaped over to where Meg was standing, and making a deep bow, he handed her a yellow envelope.

”But this is for Merry,” the mountain girl told him.

”True enough!” and Bob gave the telegram to his sister. Opening it, she read:

”Franc Giguette, author of 'The Star that Set.' Book was great success!

Publishers holding royalties, as they were uncalled for. Box in name of Eulalie Giguette at the First National Bank. Contains contracts and papers of value, also jewels. Await further advice.”

While all of the others congratulated the beautiful girl, Dan stood aside with sorrow in his heart. He had asked Meg to marry him when he thought her poor. Even then they would have had a long wait, for he had wanted to help his father for a time before he considered his own happiness.

Meg looked over at the lad whom she so loved. ”Aren't _you_ also glad for me, Dan?” she asked.

”Yes, very glad,” he said, but he was more than ever pleased that he and Meg had not told of their engagement, which might never be fulfilled.

When the excitement had somewhat subsided, Bob recalled that he had a letter for Jean Willoughby, and, bringing it forth, presented it to the young man, who looked inquiringly at the handwriting; then with a quick, questioning glance at Merry, he tore it open and read its message.

”Marion Starr,” he cried, ”you wrote my father, did you not, telling him where you found me?”