Seaton nodded affirmatively.
"Then I suppose"—said Gwent with a nervous laugh—"you could 'finish' ME, if it suited your humour?"
"I could, certainly!" and Seaton gave him quite an encouraging smile—"I could reduce Mr. Senator Gwent into a small pinch of grey dust in about forty seconds, without pain! You wouldn't feel it I assure you! It would be too swift for feeling."
"Thanks! Much obliged!" said Gwent—"I won't trouble you this morning! I rather enjoy being alive."
"So do I!" declared Seaton, still smiling—"I only state what I COULD do."
Gwent stood at the door of the hut and surveyed the scenery.
"You've a fine, wild view here"—he said—"I think I shall stay at the Plaza a day or two before returning to Washington. There's a very attractive girl there."
"Oh, you mean Manella"—said Seaton, carelessly; "Yes, she's quite a beauty. She's the maid, waitress or 'help' of some sort at the hotel."
"She's a good 'draw' for male visitors"—said Gwent—"Many a man I know would pay a hundred dollars a day to have her wait upon him!"
"Would YOU?" asked Seaton, amused.