Coombs is going to have a talk with me later--intends to
make sure who I am, no doubt--and I may learn something from him during
the interview. Anyhow, I am just obstinate enough to stay it out."
"What about me?"
"You better return to town; a traveling man on the train said there was
a good hotel. Probably Coombs has some kind of a rig we can drive down
in. I 'll ask him after breakfast."
"Is it because you do not wish me with you?"
I hesitated slightly, confused by such direct questioning.
"I shall feel more free alone," I replied at last, "for I shall have
only myself to guard. I am used to taking care of myself. Besides,
this is likely to prove a rather unpleasant situation for a lady. You
must remember I propose to fight this thing out now in the open. I am
going to be Gordon Craig, and not a make-believe Philip Henley. The
scene has changed, and I 'm glad of it. I feel more like a man
already."
"And you conclude I can be of no help, no assistance--"
The cracked voice of Sallie came to us up the stairs, the unexpected
sound startling both.
"I reckon you all better com' down an' eat."
She stood in the light of the front door watching us, and we descended
the flight of steps without exchanging a word.
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