Mrs. Crump found Fred Ross cheerfully whistling “Silver Threads Among the Gold” and finishing his house-cleaning.
“That there Thady Shea,” she stated, harshly, “is the most amazing human critter I’ve ever run up against!”
Ross grinned amiably. “Meaning, ma’am?”
“Meaning you can figger it out for yourself. Adios!”
“Hold on, ma’am. Ain’t you goin’ to set a while?”
“I am not. I got work to do. So long, and good luck to ye!”
Ross insisted upon cranking the dust-white flivver, and she departed with no more words.
An hour later Thady Shea brought in the horses, and put them up for the night. He came into the house and helped Ross get supper. He commented on the house-cleaning with admiration. He discussed, from an amateur’s standpoint, fencing the upper end of the cañon against the proposed flock of sheep. He seemed to enjoy his supper hugely.
The meal over, both men lounged outside, smoking and watching the crimsoned peaks that overhung them.
“Mrs. Crump,” observed Shea at last, “is the most generous, whole-souled woman I ever knew. She’s a wonder, Ross!”