"The gods give ye a good conceit of yourself," Mrs. Nairn laughed.
"I need it. This afternoon I let him do a most injudicious thing; and now I've done another which I fear is worse. On the whole, I think I'd better take him away to the bush. He'd be safer there."
"Ye will no; no just now," declared his hostess firmly.
Carroll made a sign of resignation.
"Oh, well," he agreed, "if you say so. I'm quite willing to stand out and let things alone. Too many cooks are apt to spoil the kale."
Mrs. Nairn left him, but she afterward glanced thoughtfully once or twice at Vane and Evelyn, who had again drawn together.
CHAPTER XXII
EVELYN GOES FOR A SAIL
Vane sat in Nairn's office with a frown on his face. Specimens of ore lately received from the mine were scattered about a table and Nairn had some papers in his hand.
"Weel?" inquired the Scotchman when Vane, after examining two or three of the stones, abruptly flung them down.