"
Graham made a little grimace. "Well," he said resignedly, "I guess
it's human nature, but I'm thankful now and then there's nothing about
me but my money that would take the eye of any young woman. I figure
they're kind of useful to wake up a man so he'll stir round looking for
something to offer one of them, but he's apt to find his business must
go second when she has got it and him, and he has to waste on house
fixings what would give a man a fair start in life. Still, it's no use
talking. What have you told him?"
Winston laughed a little. "Nothing," he said. "I will let him come,
and you shall have my decision when I've been to Silverdale."
It was next day when Dane arrived at Winnipeg, and Winston listened
gravely to all he had to tell him.
"I have two questions to ask," he said. "Would the others be unanimous
in receiving me, and does Colonel Barrington know of your mission?"
"Yes to both," said Dane. "We haven't a man there who would not hold
out his hand to you, and Barrington has been worrying and talking a
good deal about you lately. He seems to fancy nothing has gone right
at Silverdale since you left it, and others share his opinion. The
fact is, the old man is losing his grip tolerably rapidly."
"Then," said Winston quietly, "I'll go down with you, but I can make no
promise until I have heard the others."
Dane smiled a little. "That is all I want. I don't know whether I
told you that Maud Barrington is there.
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