“Yes,” he agreed gently. And then, after a little while: “Yes.” 138
“Will you be returning to the East soon?” she asked.
“I’ve been thinking some of going on to Meander to get a fuller impression of this country and see how the boy is getting on,” he replied.
“Then go with me,” she invited.
“I wondered if you had faith enough in me to ask me,” he laughed.
There was an extra stage out the next morning, owing to the movement toward Meander of people who must file on their claims within the next ten days. Smith was to drive it. He was in the office when they arrived.
“I think I’ll assume the responsibility of taking the doctor’s two bags with me,” said Bentley.
She agreed that there was little use in leaving them behind. Walker was to go to his ranch the next day; the others would break camp the following morning. There would be nobody to leave his possessions in charge of, except the hotel-keeper, who had a notoriously short memory, and who was very likely to forget all about it, even if the doctor ever returned.
Bentley made arrangements for the transportation of that much excess baggage, therefore. The cost was reminiscent of freight charges in the days of the Santa Fé Trail.
“We’ll leave word for him at the hotel-office,” said he.