Instantly Frank seized Jack’s hand.
“I knew you didn’t mean it, old fellow!” he cried, his face lighting up with a sunny smile, as he gave the hand of the Virginian a warm pressure. “We have come to know each other too well for you to think such a thing of me.”
“It’s natural that you should think a great deal of your old friends,” said Jack, unsteadily; “and I was a fool to notice anything. I think there is something the matter with me, and I believe it will be better for all concerned if I get out of the party right away.”
“Nonsense, old fellow!”
“But I can’t get along with Gallup.”
“You can if you’ll try.”
“It’s no use. I’m going home.”
“All right,” said Frank, slowly; “that spoils the scheme I had in my mind. It ruins my plans, and will mean the breaking up of the whole party.”
“I don’t see how that comes about.”
“Never mind; it’s no use to talk about it, if your mind is made up. It’s too bad, that’s all!”