A moment later the Girl, carrying a small book of poems, walked quietly into their midst.  She was paler and not as buoyant as usual, but she managed to appear cheerful when she said: 

“Hello, boys!”

The men were all smiles and returned her greeting with: 

“Hello, Girl!”

Then followed the presentation of their offerings—­mere trifles, to be sure, but given out of the fulness of their hearts.  Sonora led with a bunch of berries, which was followed by Trinidad with an orange.

“From ’Frisco,” he said simply, watching the effect of his words with pride.

A bunch of berries was also Happy’s contribution, which he made with a stiff little bow and the one word: 

“Regards.”

Meantime Nick, faithful friend that he was, went down on his knees and began to remove the Girl’s moccasins.  The knowledge of his proximity encouraged the Girl to glance about her to see if she could detect any signs on the men’s faces which would prove that they suspected the real truth concerning her absence.  Needless to say adoration and love was all that she saw; nevertheless, she felt ill-at-ease and, unconsciously, repeated: 

“Hello, boys!” And then added, a little more bravely:  “How’s everythin’?”

“Bully!” spoke up Handsome Charlie, who was posing for her benefit, as was his wont, beside one of the desks.

“Say, we missed you,” acknowledged Sonora with a world of tenderness in his voice.  “Never knew you to desert The Polka for a whole week before.”

“No, I—­I . . .” stammered guiltily, and with their little gifts turned abruptly towards her desk lest she should meet their gaze.

“Academy’s opened,” suddenly announced Happy, “and—­”

“Yes, I see it is,” quickly answered the Girl, brushing away a tear that persisted in clinging to her eyelids; slowly, now, she drew off her gloves and laid them on the desk.

“I guess I’m kind o’ nervous to-day, boys,” she began.

“No wonder,” observed Sonora.  “Road agent’s been in camp an’ we missed a hangin’.  I can’t git over that.”

All a-quiver and not daring to meet the men’s gaze, much less to discuss the road agent with them, the Girl endeavoured to hide her confusion by asking Nick to help her off with her cape.  Turning presently she said in a strained voice: 

“Well, come on, boys—­come, now!”

Immediately the boys fell in line for the opening exercises, which consisted of an examination by the Girl of their general appearance.

“Let me see your hands,” she said to the man nearest to her; a glance was sufficient, and he was expelled from her presence.  “Let me see yours, Sonora,” she commanded.

Holding his hands behind his back the man addressed moved towards her slowly, for he was conscious of the grime that was on them.  Before he had spoken his apology she ordered him none too gently to go and wash them, ending with an emphatic: