‘Under the circumstances, there ain’t a thing yuh can do here. That trial won’t come off for another month, at least. Why not try a whirl at the Flyin’ M? At least you’ll get paid for yore work.’
‘Why, I don’t know—’ faltered Nan. ‘I—I don’t know what to say.’
‘Well, think it over. When Hartley comes back, talk it over with him. If yuh want the jobs, you’ll probably find me at the Flyin’ M. I’m goin’ to Cañonville to-morrow to see a lawyer, but I’ll be back late in the afternoon. Don’t hold it against me for the things my cousin done to yuh. I’m owner of the 6X6 now, and I don’t mind a nester.’
‘It is nice of you to make us that offer,’ said Nan.
‘Nothin’ of the kind; I need yuh. Let me know what yuh decide to do. Well, I’ll see yuh later.’
Dave Morgan tipped his sombrero and rode away, while Rex essayed an awkward dance on the half-cleaned rug. He was enthused over a chance to get a job. But Nan did not share his enthusiasm.
‘Why, Nan, he’s all right,’ said Rex. ‘He’s so different from what he was the last time he was here.’
‘Very much different,’ said Nan seriously. ‘I can’t trust men who suffer such great changes. Hang that dirty rug on the fence and get me some wood. I’m trying to bake an apple pie for supper, and I need a hot oven.’
Rex shouldered the rug and turned toward the corral, but swung around facing Nan.
‘If I had a lucrative position, would you marry me?’