“But, Mr. Brooke, it doesn’t seem to me that I am earning the very liberal salary you are paying me.”
“Not perhaps by your labors as secretary, but your company I rate higher than this.”
“Thank you, Mr. Brooke,” said Gerald, gratified by this evidence of appreciation.
“So that you needn’t feel any compunction at accepting your salary.”
“I know you mean what you say, and I shall hereafter feel easy on that score. I wonder what would have been my future if you had not made your appearance.”
“You would have got along somehow. You are a clever boy, one of those that get on. There is one thing I reproach myself for, however.”
“I have taken you away from the congenial society of Jake Amsden.”
“It is true,” he said, “but I will try to find compensation in yours.”
“Really,” he said, “I can’t remember when I received such a compliment before.”
At this moment Bess came out of the cabin and called out “Supper’s ready, you fellers!”
“And we ‘fellers’ are ready for it,” said Noel Brooke rising briskly. “Come along, Gerald, the inner man and the inner boy must be replenished.”
“SET right up there!” said Mrs. Peters, pointing to a table which was backed up against the wall with one leaf extended.
The antelope steak emitted a delicious odor to our hungry travelers, and they did not mind the absence of a table-cloth and napkins. These would have seemed out of place in this backwoods hotel.
In addition to the antelope meat there were corn cakes as promised and cups of coffee which had already been poured out.
“Mrs. Peters,” said Brooke, “you have given us a supper fit for a king.”
“I don’t know about no kings,” said the bony landlady. “I’ve heerd of ’em, but don’t take much stock in ’em. I don’t believe they’re any better than any other folks.”
“I am not personally acquainted with any, but if I were I am sure they would relish your cooking.”
“You’re monstrous polite,” said Mrs. Peters, her grim features relaxing somewhat, “but I reckon I can cook a little.”
“And your daughter, no doubt, understands cooking also.”
“No, she don’t. She don’t seem to have no gift that way.”
“That’s a mistake,” said Brooke gravely. “What will she do when she is married and has a home of her own?”
“Oh, how you talk!” exclaimed the delighted Bess. “Who’d think of marrying me?”