For some minutes the three chatted pleasantly, Harry, however, doing most of the talking for the engineers. When Tom spoke it was generally to put some question.
“Do you ever permit visitors to go out to the Man-killer?” Danes inquired toward the end of the meal.
“Sometimes,” Tom answered.
“I shall be very grateful if you will accord me that privilege.”
“We shall be very glad to invite you out there some time,” Tom answered pleasantly.
“To-day?” pressed the stranger. “I have nothing to do this afternoon.”
“Some other day would suit better, if you can arrange it conveniently,” Reade suggested, as he rose.
Then they left Danes, securing their horses and riding back over the scorching desert.
“How do you like Danes?” Harry asked, after they had ridden some distance. “He seems a very pleasant fellow.”
“Very pleasant,” Tom nodded.