“Mr. Knapp!” cried the maid, and was away on swift feet, for Garry had endeared himself to the serving people as well as to the family during his brief stay at The Cedars.
The young man threw aside his outer clothing in haste and ran upstairs to the major’s room. Dorothy’s father had got up in his excitement and was waiting for him with eager eyes.
“Garry! Garry Knapp!” he exclaimed. “What has happened? What has brought you back here, my dear boy?”
Garry was smiling, but it was a grave smile. Indeed, something dwelt in the young man’s eyes that the major had never seen before.
“What is it?” repeated the old gentleman, as he seized Garry’s hand.
“Major, I’ve come to ask a favor,” blurted out the Westerner.
“A favor—and at last?” cried Major Dale. “It is granted.”
“Wait till you hear what it is—all of it. First I want you to call our bargain off.”
“What? You don’t want to sell your ranch?” gasped the major.
“No, sir. Things have—well, have changed a bit. My ranch is something that I must not sell, for I can see a way now to work it myself.”