Part 19 (2/2)
”I want to find Mr. Simms's ranch. Is it anywhere near here?”
”Two miles up that way. Where'd you come from?”
”I don't know. I've been lost in the mountains. I must see Mr. Simms at once.”
”Guess you've got a long walk ahead of you then,” laughed the sheepman. ”Boss Simms is up to Forsythe.”
”Is his family at the ranch?” asked Tad.
”I reckon the women folks is. You seem to be in a hurry, pardner.”
”I am. I must hurry.”
Wondering at the haste of the disreputable looking youngster, the sheepman watched him until he had gotten out of sight. Finding the footing good and encouraged by the knowledge that he had but two miles to go, the lad dropped into a lope which he kept up until the white side of the Simms ranch buildings reflected back the morning sun just ahead of him.
Tads legs almost collapsed under him as he staggered into the yard and asked a boy whom he saw there, for Mrs. Simms.
He was directed by a wave of the hand to a near-by door, on which Tad rapped insistently.
”I wish to see Mrs. Simms, please,” he said to the servant, who responded to his knock.
”I am Mrs. Simms. What is it you wish?” answered a voice somewhere in the room. It was a pleasant voice, reminding Tad much of his mother's, and a sense of restfulness possessed him almost at once. He felt almost as if he were at home again.
”I would like to speak with you, alone, please.”
”Who are you?”
”I am Tad Butler from Missouri. I----”
”Oh, yes, nay husband told me you were expected,” she said cordially, extending her hand.
”I owe you an apology for appearing in this shape, but I have been lost in the mountains and seem to be rather badly in need of a change of clothes,” smiled the lad.
”Come right in. Never mind the clothes. Perhaps I may be able to help you. You say you have been lost?”
”Yes.”
”Where are your companions?”
”I don't know. I left them in camp somewhere, I am not sure where.”
”Oh, that is too bad. If you will remain until night perhaps we can spare one of the herders to help you find them----”
”Pardon me, but it is not for that that I came here,” interrupted the lad. ”It was on a far more important matter.”
”Yes?”
<script>