Not a word about the
sudden change from last evening, when Jack had eaten at Don Andres'
table and had talked amiably with Jose--amiably in spite of the fact
that every one of them understood perfectly that the amiability was but
the flowers of courtesy strewn over a formal--and perhaps a
temporary--truce. But Jose was not a fixture upon the ranch, and the
don's friendship for the two seemed unchanged.
Dade did not argue nor did he question. Barring details, he thought he
understood why it was that Jack wanted to go--why it was impossible for
him to stay. A girl may be only seventeen and as irresponsible as a
kitten, but for all that she may play an important part in the making
and the marring of a man's most practical plans.
When he returned from the house, Don Andres walked beside him. The two
of them reached the corral just as Jack released Solano's foot from the
rawhide loop that had held it high while Jack cinched the saddle in
place. When Jack saw them he came forward, wiping from his face the
beads of perspiration which the tussle had brought there.
"Senor Hunter tells me that you are going away," Don Andres began almost
at once. "That you are acting wisely I am truly convinced, Senor Allen,
though it irks me to say that it is so. For a little time would all be
well, perchance; for as long as your generosity fills the heart of Jose
with gratitude, so that no ill will finds room there.
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