This time it was the man Leather whom Nic joined, towel in hand, on his way for his regular morning swim.
“Morning! You’re first, then?”
The man gave him a nod, and by the light of the fire his face looked surly.
“Has my father been out yet?”
“Sleep in the front of the waggon.”
Nic felt disposed to go on, but he was in such high spirits that he was obliged to say a few words more.
“We shall be at the Bluff to-night.”
“Oh?” said the man indifferently.
“Well, ain’t you glad to get home?”
“No: I’m only a servant.”