Part 14 (1/2)

”Yes, they do; yes, they do,” he a.s.severated. ”They get it, all right.

Only some of them don't know it when it comes; and others are ashamed to own up that they've missed it. We all get it, I tell you, sooner or later.”

”It may come too late to some.”

”No, no, it comes in time if a man is wide awake. It's about the only square deal creation gives him. And it's about all creation owes him.

It's right up to them then. If he's asleep, it's his own fault. I don't say it doesn't happen more than once; but it does happen once.”

Plainly he was in deep earnest. He had no tolerance of failure, no excuse for it. According to his theory, every man at some time was master of his fate.

”Have you had your chance?” she asked.

”Not the big chance that I want. I've done some good work, here and there. But the big thing is coming to me. I feel it. And I'm in shape to handle it, too. When I do that, I'll quit working for other people.

I'll work for myself. Yes, by George! they can come to me.”

Sheila laughed at him. His absolute c.o.c.ksureness was too ridiculous.

But in spite of herself she was impressed by the sincerity of his belief in himself. And she realized that opportunity was apt to knock at the door of a man who believed in his own capacity for success and let others know it.

”I probably make you tired,” said Farwell. ”You asked me, and I told you. I'm not worrying about _my_ future. Now, let's talk about yours.

You were away when I was here last week.”

”Yes, I was over at Chakchak.”

”That's Dunne's ranch. Your mother said you were helping him choose some things from a mail-order catalogue.”

”Furniture, linen, dishes, and a lot of other things.” There was no embarra.s.sment in her tone.

”Oh!” said Farwell; and as he uttered the word it resembled a growl.

”Well, when is it to be?”

”When is what to be?”

”Why, the wedding, of course.”

”What wedding?” She laid down her work and stared at him. Then she laughed, though the colour surged to her cheeks. ”Oh, I see. You think I was choosing these things for Mr. Dunne's prospective bride?”

”Of course.”

”Not a bit of course--unless Casey has deceived me shamefully. Can't a man furnish his house better without having a wedding in view?”

”He can, but usually he doesn't. That's my experience.”

”I wasn't aware that you were married.”

”Married?” cried Farwell. ”Me? I'm not. I'm glad of it. I have enough to worry me now. I----” He came to an abrupt stop. ”Oh, well, laugh away,” he added. ”I'll tell you what I thought. I thought you were going to marry Dunne.”

Sheila's laughter closed suddenly. ”You haven't the least right to think that or say it,” she said coldly. ”It's strange if I can't help a friend choose a few house furnis.h.i.+ngs without impertinent comment.”

”Oh, come!” said Farwell. ”I didn't mean to be impertinent, Miss McCrae. I know I'm too outspoken. I'm always putting my foot in it.”