"An' ye'r father out! I declar' to man ther' ain't much sense roastin' ye'sself on a hot day an' no one to come an' eat the wittles!"
I glanced over the table. The boiled dinner with one or two side dishes filled me with disgust, and yet I thought how Dan would have enjoyed it. He was hearty in everything. He had a big frame to take care of and he did not stint it.
The wagon drove up and Sim helped father out. So I waited until he was ready to come.
"The Prairie Bird starts out at two. Has Dan been home?"
"Yes, and gone," I made answer briefly.
He glanced sharply at me. Jolette was too near for any private comment.
"I saw him down by the elevator. Well, I hope he isn't on a wild-goose chase that will bring down only a few feathers. Wentworth thinks he's years too early, but they may find gold up there as well as in California, and copper may pan out in a valuable way. But I think he was foolish putting so many eggs in one basket. He's sold Duke to Baubein."
"He cared more for Chita."
"There's big money in Duke. He's a splendid trotter."
I tried to eat. Father was hungry, and just as the pie came on Ben entered and had some dessert, and there followed a long talk with father, who then settled himself in an easy chair for his nap.