You can't blame that
girl for losing her head after you spoiled and pampered her the
way you did. And with all her sense it was mighty hard for her to
understand your being arrayed against her flesh and blood--law or
no law. That's mountain nature pure and simple, and it comes
mighty near bein' human nature the world over. You never gave her
a square chance."
"You know what Uncle Billy said?"
"Yes, an' I know Uncle Billy changed his mind. Go after her."
"No," said Hale firmly. "It'll take me ten years to get out of
debt. I wouldn't now if I could--on her account."
"Nonsense." Hale rose.
"I'm going over to take a look around and get some things I left
at Uncle Billy's and then--me for the wide, wide world again."
The Hon. Sam took off his spectacles to wipe them, but when Bale's
back was turned, his handkerchief went to his eyes:
"Don't you worry, Jack."
"All right, Sam."
An hour later Hale was at the livery stable for a horse to ride to
Lonesome Cove, for he had sold his big black to help out expenses
for the trip to England. Old Dan Harris, the stableman, stood in
the door and silently he pointed to a gray horse in the barn-yard.
Pages:
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424