' Well, down I
went to those lawyers--your old lawyer it was--Martin. I told
him I was on your track, and he said--'For Heaven's sake, send
the fellow along!' Say, Tavernake, he made me laugh the way he
described your bursting in upon him and telling him to take your
land for his costs, and walking out of the room like something
almighty. Why, he worked that thing so that they had to buy your
land, and they took him into partnership. He's made a pot of
money, and needs no costs from you, and there's the money for
your land and what he had of yours besides, waiting for you."
Tavernake smoked stolidly at his pipe. His eyes were out
seaward, but his heart was beating to a new and splendid music.
To start life again, a man's life, out in the solitudes, out in
the great open spaces! It was gorgeous, this! He turned round
and grasped Pritchard by the shoulder.
"I say," he exclaimed, "why are you doing all this for me,
Pritchard?"
Pritchard laughed.
"You did me a good turn," he said, "and you're a man. You've the
pluck--that's what I like. You knew nothing, you were as green
and ignorant as a young man from behind the counter of a country
shop, but, my God! you'd got the right stuff, and I meant getting
even with you if I could. You'll leave here with me to-morrow,
and in three weeks we sail."
Ruth came smiling out from the house.
"Won't you bring your friend in to supper, Mr. Tavernake?" she
begged. "It's good news, I hope?" she added, lowering her voice
a little.
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