"Possibly," responded Mr. Clark, "and yet I think it is not wholly that."
"Because Sandy is so good?"
"Perhaps."
"Because we both like Sandy so much?" persisted the boy.
"I shouldn't wonder."
"Well, I don't see how any one could help liking Sandy! He is the best man on the place. He knows so much, and is so full of fun, father! And he is so kind to his dogs and to the sheep! Why, I believe he loves every sheep on Crescent Ranch."
"I am sure of it."
There was a silence.
"Father," burst out Donald when he could bear the silence no longer, "I believe Thornton wants you to appoint him manager of our ranch."
Mr. Clark's face lighted with pleasure.