Page:The Cross Pull.pdf/154

 you to know that I consider that the very nicest present I ever had.”

“That repays me,” he said.

“And thank you for talking to me—instead of questioning me. Of course you know that I have a definite reason for being here. I’d tell you if I could. I think I know now how you can help me if you will. If you will stay near here until Dad Kinney comes, then send him here to me: is that too much to ask?”

“I intended to camp within a few miles of here,” he smiled. “So you’re asking nothing but what I would have done in any event. Just one question, please?”

She nodded assent.

“If I’m to camp here—how shall I address you? As an aid to conversation, you understand.”

“I’d rather you didn’t know my name,” she told him frankly. “At least not all of it. One of my reasons for being here is to try and forget who and what I am until I can reason things out coolly. That’s why I don’t care to hear my name spoken over and over again. But as an aid te conversation—Betty is the only part of my name I care to hear. You may call me that if you like.”