The next afternoon, Andrew called on me. He was waiting for me at the store, as Jake and I returned with two boat-loads of fresh stock which we were out receiving from the Cloochman.
The old fellow took me by the hand and surprised me by his smile of open friendship.
"I would ha'e come over sooner, George, but I couldna get away frae the ranch these last few days." His eyes turned humorously as he said it.
"I might ha'e run over this mornin', but Marget and me ha'e a lot o' leaway to make up.
"Say! man,—I'll be glad if you will do what ye can to help Rita. Make your ain arrangements;—for, what suits you, suits me and Marget."
CHAPTER XVIII
A Maid, a Mood and a Song
In Golden Crescent Bay things moved quietly, almost drowsily. There were the routine of hurried work and the long spells of comparative idleness.
As for the people over the way, I saw little of them outside of business.