o."

He paused as though awaiting an answer, but none was forthcoming. Only
was there that steady regard from the man beyond the still open grip.

Bud was not thinking of the announcement. Jeff was certainly a
"good-looker," and he was beginning to understand something of the
attraction he must have for a woman like Elvine van Blooren. He was
slim and muscular, with a keen face of decision and strength. Then,
was he not on the rising wave which must ever appeal to the maturer
mind of a widow, however young? His disappointment rose again and
threatened to find expression. But he thrust it aside and struggled to
remember only his regard for the man.

"D'you mind?" Jeff's question came nervously.

Did he mind? It was a weak question. Coming from Jeff it sounded
foolish. Bud smiled, and his quiet sense of humor saved him from
himself.

"Why, if you feel that way I don't guess you need worry a thing, Jeff."
Then he added: "Guess Nan an' me'll get right along home. But it don't
need to cut no ice. I take it you're askin' me to fix things right at
the Obars till you get around. That so?"

Jeff nodded. He was feeling that he was doing something mean, even
brutal. He knew that what he contemplated must result in the bitterest
disappointment to his old friend. He had well enough known throughout
their partnership Bud's yearning desire that he should marry Nan.
Well, such a course was unthinkable now. Somehow it had never seemed
really possible. He was troubled, grievously troubled, but he was
determined now to act in the only honest way. He was determined that
Bud should know the truth--at all costs.

"I'd be thankful to you, Bud."

"You don't need to say a word. It's fixed."

For some moments no other word was spoken. There was awkwardness. But
it was with Jeff alone. He feared the result of what he must tell.

"You're--packing?" he said presently.

Bud sat himself heavily into a rocker.

"Yep. Lestways I don't guess Nan 'ud call it that way." He raked his
curly iron-gray hair with his strong fingers, and gazed ruefully at the
chaos.

"Maybe I can help some."

Bud shook his head, and his smile was good.

"Guess one darn fool's enough playin' this game. When're you coming
along to--home?"

"Maybe a week."

The reply was prompt.

"An'--you'll bring her along with you?"

The eyes of the two men met. Each was reading the other like an open
book.

Jeff shook his head. Somehow th