'Unless one wants Paradise,' sighed Margery, 'who wouldn't be
contented with dear Camp Chaparral?'
'Who would live in a house, any way?' exclaimed Philip. 'Sniff this
air, and look up at that sky!'
'And this is what they call "roughing it," in Santa Barbara,' quoth
Dr. Winship. 'Why, you youngsters have made that tent fit for the
occupancy of a society belle.'
'Now, let's organise for reception!' cried Geoffrey. 'Assemble, good
people! Come over here, Aunt Truth! I will take the chair myself,
since I don't happen to see anybody who would fill it with more
dignity.'
'I am going to mount my broncho and go out on the road to meet my
beloved family,' said Jack, sauntering up to the impromptu council-
chamber.
'How can you tell when they will arrive?' asked Mrs. Winship.
'I can make a pretty good guess. They'll probably start from Tacitas
as early as eight or nine o'clock, if Elsie is well. Let's see:
it's about twenty-five miles, isn't it, Uncle Doc? Say twenty-three
to the place where they turn off the main road. Well, I'll take a
bit of lunch, ride out ten or twelve miles, hitch my horse in the
shade, and wait.'
'Very well,' said Geoffrey. 'It is not usual for committees to
appoint themselves, but as you are a near relative of our
distinguished guests we will grant you special consideration and
order you to the front. Ladies and gentlemen, passing over the
slight informality of the nomination, all in favour of appointing Mr.
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