Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/282

 "Well, I've no need to say that this was a situation pleasing to Tib. The possibility of succoring a gentlewoman caused his brown eyes to twinkle, and he smote the box of dynamite smartly, then remembering its irresponsible nature he brushed it tenderly, as if to take back the blow. And he swore that nothing could delight him more than to be a minute-man when the foe was approaching.

"Danby's face cleared wonderfully, and he shook hands with us both warmly and declared we were 'a real good sort,' and that he would always remember it. Then he noticed the fireworks, relieved Tib, and cursed the station agent for passing the truck on to us.

"By this time we came to his plantation. It was pleasantly situated in a little valley, bounded on either side by wooded spurs of the steep hills that ended abruptly on the right banks of the stream. The bungalow was built back a bit from the river, in a small clearing on the hill-side, facing the west, where the view was certainly mellow.

"It was now near sundown, and the teak-trees showed purple on the surrounding heights. On the strong log veranda the English lady, all in white, looking very frail and much out of place in the wild environment, stood to receive us. She was more demonstrative in her greeting than was her husband, and instinctively took to Tib as a pillar of strength.