“If you don't mind—I think you'd better. And I—I want to say, Mr. Halloran, before I quit you, that it's been a great thing for Mr. Higginson to have you here. I guess there ain't no doubt you've saved his business for him.”
This brought the gloom back to the Manager's face. He shook his head.
“That's all right now—I've watched the business some. It's your nerve and grit——”
“Captain,” Halloran broke in bitterly, “I———”
“I guess I know what you mean. You've been carrying a load that would have broke most men, and now you're sort of unstrung.”
Halloran shook his head again. “Damn the load.” He looked around the office. Crosman was out; the door was shut. “Captain, I've lost the girl I want to marry, for want of nerve.”
“Are you sure?”
He nodded.
“Is she married already?”
“Oh, no; she's gone away.”