Page:Beyond the Horizon (1920).djvu/30

14 pose I told you that was the one and only reason for my going?

—I should say you were nutty.

—Then I must be—because it’s so.

—I don’t believe it. You’ve got that idea out of your poetry books. A good dose of sea-sickness will get that out of your system.

—[Frowning.] Don’t, Andy. I’m serious.

—Then you might as well stay right here, because we’ve got all you’re looking for right on this farm. There’s wide space enough, Lord knows; and you can have all the sea you want by walking a mile down to the beach; and there’s plenty of horizon to look at, and beauty enough for anyone, except in the winter. [He grins.] As for the mystery and spell, and other things you mentioned, I haven’t met ’em yet, but they’re probably lying around somewheres. I’ll have you understand this is a first class farm with all the fixings. [He laughs.]

—[Joining in the laughter in spite of himself.] It’s no use talking to you, you chump!

—Maybe; but you’ll see I’m right before you’ve gone far. You’re not as big a nut as you’d like to make out. You’d better not say anything to Uncle Dick about spells and things when you’re on the ship. He’ll likely chuck you overboard for a Jonah. [He jumps down from fence.] I’d better run along. I’ve got to wash up some as long as Ruth’s Ma is coming over for supper.

—[Pointedly—almost bitterly.] And Ruth.