“Wait,” said the latter one evening, “and let him develop his attack; we should only weaken ourselves by going out to meet him.”
“But if he really has claims on my father, and seizes this place?”
“Then, my lad, you and I must set to, and see if it is not possible for us to join hands and get together another home for your father and sister—one, perhaps, that, if small, might be made happy till I came back.”
“Came back?” said Janet, who had accompanied her brother to the doctor’s that evening.
“Yes, dear,” said Mark. “I have not said a word to a soul; but I’m going back to the Cape by the next boat.”
“To try your luck again?” said Hendon quickly.
“To try my luck again,” replied Mark; and he glanced at Rich, who was seated at work with Janet, while the doctor looked on, and smiled placidly at both in turn.
Rich turned very pale; but she did not speak.
“I have no prospects here,” continued Mark; “and out yonder I have faith in making some progress. I shall tempt my fate again.”
“And if I could only feel sure that those we left behind would be safe,” cried Hendon, “I’d go with you.”