"It wasn't very much, anyway," said the other man. "Tom didn't want to come in; told us he'd a message for you. But we made him, and were sorry after, because when he got started he left us very little whisky."
Alton glanced at him a moment, and the man grew embarrassed under his gaze. Then he smiled wryly. "And this is what you have brought Townshead and his daughter to, and there is more behind. What you have made of me counts for little after that," he said.
Some time had passed when he walked quietly into the house. Nellie Townshead rose as he entered and stood looking at him very white in face.
"I wonder if you will believe what I have to tell you, Miss Townshead," he commenced, and stopped when the rancher turned towards him,
"My daughter has, I think, been taught that it is unwise to place much confidence in any one," he said.
Alton glanced at the girl, and stood silent a moment when she made a little gesture of agreement. "I am afraid appearances are against me," he said.
"Yes," said the girl. "So are the facts."
"Well," said Alton grimly, "the latter are of the most importance, but
I think you should hear me."
"There is," said Miss Townshead, "no reason why I should. You made me a promise—why I do not know, any more than I do why I allowed you—but I was very anxious just then. No doubt you spoke on impulse, and afterwards regretted it."
"My daughter was a trifle injudicious," said Townshead.