7 ACORN had not come home. She remembered what her feelings had been when she was told he had been drinking". But oh, his failing to return had made it worse. He had done wrong she knew but he was still her son. The happy family of cowboys were seated around the long table eating supper. "Well fellows, goin' to the dance tonight?" asked Jack Calbert. "Am I! Well I guess yes. You don't suppose I'd miss that, do you?" said Bob Morris, "what about you Hawk?" "I don't think I shall go," said Hawk. "I have to start out on that round-up trip early tomorrow morning. It will be a hard one so I think I will rest tonight." Well, I have to go, too, but I should worry, I would not miss that dance tonight for anything. Why Hawk, you don't know what I saw in town today, or you would be Johnny-on-the-spot. The new school teacher has arrived. I saw her standing out there, marching the kids out of school, and 'gee,' but she's 'some class'! You watch me if I don't make a hit now," said Jack eating as fast as possible. "Well, if that's the case Jack, I think Guy and I will remain at home tonight, for I am sure you would not stand a chance if we went." "Oh, I'm not so sure about that," replied Jack. Supper was finished and the boys wen tdown to the corral to saddle their horses. Hawk watered and fed his horse, then he and Guy went to the bunk house to retire for the night. About two o'clock in the morning they were arused by loud talking. "Say Bob, you sure have got a case on that little blonde Martinson girl," Jack was saying. "Yes, and you sure tried to make a hit with that new school teacher, tonight," replied Bob. "Well fellows, keep that until morning," drawled out Hawk. "Hello, old man, are you awake? You missed a time of your life. Annie Johnson, Carrie Jones, and half a dozen others asked about you," said Jack. "Well, it's nice to be remembered," he said. "Did you catch your little school teacher?" "Say Hawk, she is a nice little girl, no joke about it. I can't remember her name, but she's from Sunny Dale." "Sunny Dale!" Hawk almost shouted. "Yes," replied Jack, "what's the matter?" "Oh, I have just heard of a little town by that name," said Hawk. No more was said that night, but long after the boys were asleep Hawk lay thinking of Sunny Dale. He thought of all the old maid ACORN 8 teachers of his day, but none filled Jack's description of the little school mistress. Then he forgot about the school teacher, for in Sunny Dale lived the most noble woman ever created his mother. Daylight came creeping in through the cracks and found Hawk ready for his day's work. He went down to the corral and was met by Blaze, his pet horse. He threw his arms around the horse's neck and cried as only a strong man can when he thinks of his mother. After a time he went back to the bunk house and found Guy getting up. He called to the others, then went back to the corral, caught and saddled Jack's and Bob's horses in readiness for the round-up. The round-up was finished. It had taken up the greater part of two long, weary months, during which time the boys of Blue Ridge ranch had found no time for the amusements which Blue Vale afforded. It was a beautiful moonlight night in October, when the boys drew rein at the town amusement hall in Blue Vale. Many friends greeted them, for the boys of Blue Ridge were favorites with all the girls in town. Hawk danced several dances, then stood conversing with some girls when Jack approached him. "Saw Hawk, there's a lady over there T would like you to meet, if you will." "With pleasure," and excusing himself he went with Jack. They approached the end of the hall where a young lady in a white dress stood talking to several girls. Hawk looked at her. That face! Those eyes! Where had he seen them before? Jack was now introducing them Miss Riley! did he say or had he not heard aright? He muttered something about how-do-you-do and asked for a dance. Then he turned and walked away with Jack. "What did you say her name was?" "Riley," said Jack. Hawk left Jack and sought a corner where he could watch his new acquaintance. Was that his little sister? Miss Riley and Sunny Dale! It had been almost nine years since he had seen her. Of course she had chang"ed, but there was the same bright laughing eyes, and rosy cheeks. He had a sudden impulse to rush to her and take her in his arms, but no, she might not want to recognize him a cowboy; he who had once disgraced her and her name. No, he Would not force himself upon her. The music began and he went to claim his partner. During the dance Hawk stammered out a few commonplace remarks which she almost mechanically answered, then she said: "Mr. Hawkins, you remind me of one of my brothers." Just then the music stopped and he led her to her seat.