In spite of this care,
as they rounded one last upper curve, Diana's mule slipped, and it was
only Diana's lightning quickness in dismounting and the mule's skill in
throwing himself inward that saved them both.
Diana did not utter a sound, but Nucky gave a hoarse oath and, before
Frank could accomplish it, Nucky had dismounted, had rushed up the
trail and stood holding Diana in his lank, boyish arms, while the mule
regained his foothold.
"Now look here, Frank, Diana rides either in your lap or mine!" said
Nucky shortly, his face twitching.
Frank raised his eyebrows at the boy's tone. "Set her down, Enoch!
We'll all walk to the top. It's only a short distance, and the ice is
getting pretty bad."
Nucky obediently set the little girl on her feet, and Diana tossed her
curls and followed her father without a word. And Frank, as he led the
procession, wore a puzzled grin on his genial face.
* * * * * *
Exactly ten days after Nucky's first trip down Bright Angel trail, John
Seaton descended somewhat wearily from the Pullman that had landed him
once more at the Canyon's rim. He had telegraphed the time of his
arrival and Nucky ran up to meet him.
"Hello, Mr. Seaton!" he said.
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