"Mr. Ladd seems to think your report of the highest importance in the settlement of this dispute."
"Well, what I don't know now about the asphalt lands isn't worth knowing. If information is what is wanted, I'm dripping with it. There!" as he threw the towel aside, "I'm not clothed, but I'm in my right mind, and I am a human being once more." Offering his brawny hand to the older man—"How is the good doctor, eh?"
"Oh, not complaining, my boy; not complaining."
The other was quick to detect the subtle shade of over-emphasis, and immediately met it with a jocularity and buoyancy that did not altogether conceal its anxiety.
"By Jove! Why, you're getting fat. I'll wager you're gaining every day!" And then realizing that his tone had not carried complete conviction with it, he hurriedly began to throw his dusty clothes on.
"No, my dear fellow," said the clergyman with a plaintive smile and sinking into the camp chair before his tent. "No, I'm losing, gradually, but steadily losing every day."
"Nonsense," laughed the other with a determination not to be impressed. "Nonsense. Look at me. Almost forgotten I ever had a cough. When you've been here as long as I have——"
"You came in time. I'm afraid I came a little late—just a little late." And the smouldering eyes dreamed off to the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
"Better grub, that's all you need, John."
Calthorpe was not a demonstrative man and McCloud realized the affection that the use of his first name implied.