“My purpose in going to the mountains is to get away from business, and not to take upon myself a new anxiety; to fish and shoot, not to pore over gold-bearing ore.”
“Are you an enthusiastic sportsman, then?”
“Not at all. I was too busy when I was young to indulge in such recreation, and too poor. Since then I have become busier still.”
“And too rich?” suggested the girl, with a smile.
“A man is never too rich, I am afraid.”
“If you are not an enthusiastic sportsman, a week in the woods will prove more than enough for you. After that comes boredom, and a yearning for the ticker and the morning newspaper.”
“I more than half believe you’re right,” said Steele ruefully.
“Of course I am right. Now, if you camp out beside the mine, you have something to interest you. Don’t bother about it for the first week. There is plenty of shooting and fishing in the neighbourhood.”
“I hate to put two and a half days between me and a telegraph-wire.”
“Then you had better leave mountains alone and stay in Chicago.”