“I am anxious to get back,” he said, “and the more so that I am keeping your men there.”
“I have not complained,” said Mr Raydon.
“No; and you puzzle me,” replied Gunson. “I should have thought you would have tried all you could to keep me back.”
“Why should I? What difference does one make?”
“Then one more or less is of no consequence?” said Gunson, laughing. “Well, I am not going to repeat all I have said before as to being grateful.”
“I beg you will not,” said Mr Raydon. “We had our duty to do to a sick man, and we have done it.”
“Nobly,” said Gunson, warmly.
“And you intend to start?”
“To-morrow morning, eagerly but unwillingly, for I am loth to leave the society of the tender friends who have nursed me back to life.”
He looked at Mrs John and then at Mr John, ending by beckoning to me to come out with him into the enclosure, where Mr Raydon joined us, to begin talking about the stores he meant Gunson to have.