Part 52 (1/2)
”In Singapore.”
”And then?”
”He's dead.”
”And she?”
”I've sent her back to her people in Devons.h.i.+re.”
Haig gripped hard the hand that was still clasped in his own, and there was a moment of silence.
”Well,” said Haig, ”we'll have a nip of whisky, and then--You've come back to take your ranch, of course.”
”I _came_ back for that, but I can't figure out that it's mine now.”
”How's that?” asked Haig, pouring out the drinks.
”I left three hundred head of cattle, and now I learn there are thirteen hundred head, almost.”
”Don't let that worry you. I've sold enough of the increase to bring back all the money they cost me. So we're quits.”
”No.”
”Why not?”
”Be sensible, Haig. First thing, why did you do it?”
”For the fun of it, partly.”
”And after that?”
”Well, your fine ranch here wasn't making much money, and I thought you'd need a good deal, perhaps, before you got through with your--affair.”
”And yet you say we're quits!”
”I'm satisfied.”
”But I'm not. You'll take a half interest, and we'll go partners.”
”No.”
”I say yes,” persisted Thursby. ”But I'm forgetting to ask questions.
How the devil did you get back?”
”I will a tale unfold will harrow up thy bones--and the rest of it,”
replied Haig, laughing. ”But first: when did you arrive?”
”By the last stage in.”
”And what have you told them--my pleasant neighbors?”