He rested some during the day, took a stroll along the river bank with Felice, and fished the rest of the day. Old Marcellus kept much to himself and seemed rather taciturn when spoken to. At dinner that evening, he did not appear.
“Grandfather is worrying about my brother, Rene,” said Felice.
Hal looked across the table and smiled comfortingly.
“Aw, I guess he can take care of himself, huh? I’ll admit I was worried too, but since I know he’s your brother and have heard what a ‘rep’ he’s got, I have the idea that he can take care of himself.”
“I know he can take care of himself,” Felice said thoughtfully, “but we aren’t always the master of a situation. Rene is sometimes headstrong.”
“Gol darn it,” Hal said, noticing the sadness in her gray eyes, “I do believe you’re worried about him.”
“I really am, Mr. Hal. You see he’s never kept us waiting so long. He’s always so concerned about Grandfather and me. Really he’s been all that’s helped me to bear this lonely existence. I couldn’t bear anything to happen to him.”
“But my goodness, Miss Felice, I’m certain nothing has happened to him if he’s such a roamer as you’ve told me! Please don’t worry! If there’s anything I can do....”
“You liked him, didn’t you, Mr. Hal?” she asked suddenly.
“I’ll say I did,” Hal answered readily. “I thought he was one swell chap. Man, he’s the kind I like—you know, plain but not stupid.”