Part 34 (2/2)

”I expect you are satisfied.”

”You're as n.o.ble as I thought,” said Laura. ”I knew why you hesitated and it wasn't for yourself. But I knew you would go.”

XXVI

DEERING TAKES THE TRAIL

Stannard was marked by a superficial languidness. Strangers thought him careless and his humorous tranquillity had charm. For all that, when speed was important he moved fast and after he telephoned to the station he got to work. He packed rucksacks for his companions, got ropes and ice-axes, and arranged with the hotel cook to put up a supply of food.

Then he sent a messenger for two or three half-breeds who carried loads for fis.h.i.+ng parties. Stevens helped and admitted that Stannard knew his job. All he did was carefully thought about.

After some time Dillon joined them and Stannard said, ”It's awkward, but Willmer at Revelstoke is engaged. However, he states he can send us a useful man and we are to meet him at the station. He'll come by the train in the morning and we'll get on board. We ought to reach the railroad hut Jimmy talks about by dark and if the night is clear we'll push on.”

”If the police are about the station where we get off, they may stop us.”

”It's possible,” Stannard agreed. ”Still they don't know our object and we must persuade them we are mountaineering tourists. Boast about your climbing and the Canadian Alpine Club; Stevens knows their exploits.

All the same, I imagine the police are in the mountains. Well, your sack is packed, and when you have got your snow-spectacles and the grease for your skin, we'll stop for a smoke.”

In the morning the half-breed packers arrived and soon afterwards all were ready to start. The hotel servants and three or four guests came to see them go, but when the others strapped on their loads Stannard joined Laura on the steps.

”Well, we are going to Jimmy's help,” he said with a smile. ”Frank is very keen, but as far as possible I'll try to see he does nothing rash.

To know your marriage is fixed is some comfort.”

Laura looked up quickly. Although Stannard's smile was kind, she was vaguely disturbed.

”When Frank wanted the wedding soon I thought you agreed rather easily.

I was satisfied to stay with you for some time.”

”Oh, well,” said Stannard. ”I'm afraid I haven't carried out my duties.

I'm a careless fellow and feel my daughter does not owe me much.

Although you have grown up beautiful and attractive, Nature and your aunts are accountable. Then, you see, I'm getting old, and mountaineering is my hobby. Sometimes one slips on an icy rock--”

”You mustn't talk like that; it hurts,” said Laura with a touch of emotion. ”You gave me all I asked for; you have always indulged me. Then I urged you to go, and now I feel I ought not to urge. To be generous in my way costs one nothing. I shall not venture on the rocks; I send you.”

Stannard laughed, but Laura, studying him, was moved. Her father was handsome and wore the stamp of high cultivation. Although he was not young, he carried himself like an athlete. She knew his strength and pluck and his gentleness to her. Now she thought him fine and chivalrous.

”You follow your heart,” he said and kissed her. Then he pulled out his watch. ”But I must not be selfish and Frank is waiting.”

Dillon advanced and Stannard resumed: ”Youth is romantic and sometimes exaggerates. Laura imagines her generosity and yours accounts for my starting on our adventure. Well, perhaps I'm slow and cautious, but now and then one recaptures a touch of one's boyish rashness. However, I mustn't philosophize. We must get off in a few minutes.”

”I'll join you on the trail,” said Dillon, who remarked that Stannard implied that he hesitated to go. Stannard had said something like that before, as if he wanted others to note that the plan was not his. All the same, it was not important, and Dillon took Laura's hand.

Five minutes afterwards the party started. The packers carried the heavy loads, the others the ice-axes, and Stevens and Stannard wore round their shoulders coils of Alpine rope. Where the trail turned they stopped for a moment and waved their hats, and then vanished in the trees.

Some time afterwards Laura saw a plume of black smoke roll across the pines and stole off to her room. She did not want Mrs. Dillon's comfort.

Her father and her lover had started for the rocks, and if they paid for their rashness, she was accountable.

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