Meg of Mystery Mountain Part 30

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?"

It was evident that he was _not_ displeased.

The golden haired girl nodded, then waited eagerly to hear what manner of message the letter contained.

"Dan," said Bob, "your father and mine are again partners, for Dad has restored the money that had been supposedly lost. Since your father had recompensed the investors, the firm of Abbott & Willoughby, as re-established, is much richer than it was, for while holding the money, Dad made investments that have tripled the capital of the firm. Nor is that all! Father has set aside money to start my brother and me in any business we may choose, and your father is to do the same for each of his boys as the need arises."

Before Dan could speak, Jean hurried on with, "Mr. Packard has offered to divide his ranch in three parts, and Jane and I are to have one of them.

Dan, you love the West. It agrees with you. Won't you take the third?"

"That's wonderful news!" Dan cried glowingly. "Indeed I would like to own a third of the Green Hills ranch."

Then to the surprise of the others, he went to the mountain girl with hands outstretched, and said, his voice tense with feeling: "Meg--Eulalie--may I set the day for our wedding?"

The dusky eyes of the beautiful girl were more than ever starlike as she nodded up at him.

"Great!" he cried joyfully. "Then we will _all_ be married on the first of September."