“An unappreciated jest. Apparently I did not succeed.”
“You are not of that caliber,” she suggested.
He was not pleased that she should express her judgment of his mental endowments. His nerves were all tense and vibrated with keen dissonance at every unconsidered touch. Nevertheless it was impossible not to reply in kindred vein.
“Do you allude to a large or a small caliber?” he revolted at the question.
“It depends on the charge—too large for some—too small for others.”
“I feel as if I were guessing riddles,” he said, floutingly.
“Life is a riddle—a dark riddle, and there is no answer this side of eternity,” she returned, seriously.
“Now I am hearing a sermon. Do you often preach?” he asked, mockingly.
“What are they going to do about the dear old missionary?” she queried, suddenly. “The poor old man who is risking his life among the Indians to bring their souls to salvation!”
“The commandant will request him to come down here to Fort Prince George, and leave their souls to their deserts. He is sending a boat up to-morrow. I think he goes with it to use his influence in person.”