“You’re too complimentary,” he declared. “The genuine Caledonian caution can’t be acquired by outsiders. It’s a gift.”
“I’ll no practise it now,” said the lady. “Ye’er no so proud of yourself for nothing. What have ye been after?”
Carroll crossed his finger tips and looked at her over them. “Since you ask the question, I may say this: If Miss Chisholm has two lady visitors during the next few days, you might make sure she sees them.”
“What are their names?”
“Miss Hartley, the daughter of the prospector who sent Vane off to look for the timber; Miss Blake who, as you have probably heard, once came down the west coast with him, in company with an elderly lady and myself.”
Mrs. Nairn started; then she looked thoughtful, and finally broke into a smile of open appreciation.
“Now,” she said, “I understand. I did not think it of ye. Ye’re no far from a genius.”
“Thanks,” said Carroll modestly. “I believe I succeeded better than I could have expected, and perhaps than I deserved.”
Then they were interrupted, for Nairn walked hastily into the room.
“There’s one of the Atlin’s deck hands below,” he announced. “He’s come on here from Horsfield’s to say the boat’s ready with a full head of steam up, and the packers ye hired are waiting on the wharf.”