"Mr. Acton," began the guest timidly, "there is a little matter about
which I feel I should speak to you."
"Very well, sir," returned the cowboy.
"I feel that it would be better for me to speak to you rather than to
Mr. Baldwin, because, well, you are younger, and will, I am sure,
understand more readily."
"All right; what is it, Professor?" asked Phil encouragingly, wondering
at the man's manner.
"Do you mind--ah--walking a little way down the road?"
As they strolled out toward the gate to the meadow road, the professor
continued:
"I think I should tell you about your man Patches."
Phil looked at his companion sharply. "Well, what about him?"
"I trust you will not misunderstand my interest, Mr. Acton, when I say
that it also includes Miss Reid."
Phil stopped short. Instantly Mrs. Baldwin's remark about Patches'
happiness, his own confession that he had given up all hope of winning
Kitty, and the thought of the friendship which he had seen developing
during the past months, with the realization that Patches belonged to
that world to which Kitty aspired--all swept through his mind. He was
looking at the man beside him so intently that the professor said again
uneasily:
"I trust, Mr.
Pages:
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282