Her impulse was to cry out:
"What under the sun is the matter with you two?"
She might have done so had not a dynamic quality vibrant in the air warned her not to meddle.
When at length the meal was cut short by the arrival of Elisha Winslow, all three of the group rose with unconcealed relief.
Even Elisha's presence, hateful as it would ordinarily have been, came now as a welcome interruption.
"Wal, Mr. Heath, I see you're expectin' me," grinned the sheriff, pointing toward the luggage beside the door.
"I am, Mr. Winslow."
"I've got my boat. Are you ready to come right along?"
"Quite ready."