“Did they—did he and Johnny meet?—was there trouble?” began Miss Mollie.
“No, ma'am. Bunny had his reasons for going. They looked good to him and nothing was holding him, so he just went. I seen him when he went. It looked like it come over him all at once that he had ought to go,” explained Mr. Brown considerately and at length.
“I am so glad! I was afraid that perhaps they had met.”
“Where's Johnny gone?” inquired Brown.
“We think to Alvarado.”
Mollie had appeared in the dining-room doorway and was listening, but Brown's back was turned toward her.
“What's to hinder my going there after him?” asked Brown. “I can produce an argument he'll listen to.” Unconsciously his hand rested on Mr. Bunny's gun.
“It's awful kind of you to suggest it, but perhaps you shouldn't go; it may make trouble for you,” said Miss Mollie. It was the habit of a lifetime with her to think of others.
“You're a good kind man!” cried Mollie fervently through her tears, advancing. “You tell him that I just hate and despise that Bunny.... I didn't mean anything I said.... I'm sorry—sorry!” She seized one of his hands in both of hers. “Oh, he must come back!—tell him to come back, Mr. Brown——”
“I'm aimin' to tell him just that,—and he'll come back all right,” Brown assured her.