“I do feel well enough. If I find any unfavorable symptoms coming back, I can travel again, but I am anxious to get away from this place, where I have come so near losing my life at the hands of the outlaws.”
There was little need of delay. Their preparations were soon made. There was an embarrassment about the cottage, but that was soon removed.
“I'll buy it of you, Mr. Melville,” said Jack Holden.
“I can't sell it to you, Mr. Holden.”
“I will give you a fair price.”
“You don't understand me,” said George Melville, smiling. “I will not sell it, because I prefer to give it.”
“Thank you, Mr Melville, but you know I am not exactly a poor man. The sale of the mine—-”
“Jack,” said Melville, with emotion, “would you have me forget that it is to you and Herbert that I owe my rescue from a violent and ignominious death?”
“I want no pay for that, Mr. Melville.”
“No, I am sure you don't. But you will accept the cabin, not as pay, but as a mark of my esteem.”