"I never saw him—I wish I had. It was a great loss to the ranch and to all of us when he went."
"It was indeed."
"You must remember him well, Sandy."
Throwing back his head with a gesture of pride, Sandy confronted Mr. Clark.
"I do, sir," he replied simply. "He was my father."
Mr. Clark and Donald stared.
"Why didn't you tell me that in the first place?" cried Donald's father, stepping forward eagerly and seizing the hand of the young ranchman.
"I thought mayhap you knew it. If not—why prate about it? It's on my own feet I must stand and not on my father's. If I am of any use you will find it out fast enough, father or no father; if I'm not 'twere best you found that out as well."
"Independent as your forebears, Sandy!" laughed Mr. Clark.
"I be a McCulloch, sir!" was all Sandy said.