Young Dallas grew solemn. "If I felt like that about the country, I should be happy."
"You will, you will," said the man eagerly. "I hope with my lads you will push on and——"
He checked himself suddenly, as if he were about to say too much.
"Captain," cried Dallas, "you sound like one of my adventure books. I believe you are younger than I am."
How Mr. Devering laughed. He even shouted, he was so much amused. Then he took off his hat and swung it in the air. Oh! he was a very jolly man. Then something caught his eye on the ground and he bent over.
"Hello! Sub, look here."
Dallas went stepping over damp and mossy stones to stare at a layer of black mud in a hollow.
"Tracks," said Mr. Devering. "See if you can tell what they are."
"Sheep," said Dallas doubtfully.
"Right you are, and what else?"