“Raising wheat does not attract you, then?”
“It’s the biggest prospect in that section. I know it has cattle raising and even mining backed clear across the board. But it’s no game for a little man with little capital.”
“Then why not get into it?” asked Major Dale, still speaking quietly. “You seem enthusiastic. Enthusiasm and youth—why, my boy, they will carry a fellow far!”
Garry looked at him in a rather puzzled way. “But don’t I tell you, Major Dale, that the banks will not let me have money?”
“I’ll let you have the money—and at a fair interest,” said Major Dale.
Garry smiled slowly and put out his hand. The major quickly took it and his countenance began to brighten. But what Garry said caused the old gentleman’s expression to become suddenly doleful:
“I can’t accept your offer, sir. I know that it is a favor—a favor that is suggested by Miss Dorothy. If it were not for her, you would never have thought of sending for me or making either of these more than kind propositions you have made.
“I shall have to say no—and thank you.”
CHAPTER XXVI
SERIOUS THOUGHTS
The young people at The Cedars had taken Garry Knapp right into the heart of their social life. He knew he was welcome and the hospitality shown him was a most delightful experience for the young Westerner.