Page:The trail of the golden horn.djvu/50

46 “‘Duty first’ is the law here as well as in the Force. I must get ready at once.”

“Suppose you travel with me,” North suggested. “I am bound for Big Chance, and nothing on earth would please me better than to have you along. I shall order Rolfe to have the dogs ready in an hour’s time. They are a great team, and can make the trip faster than any dogs you can get in Kynox. I am sure we shall enjoy the run together. Rolfe, too, will be delighted to have a woman along. He will regale you with poetry of which his head is full. He is an excellent fellow, for all that, and as true as steel.” [sic]

“I think it will be splendid to go with you,” Marion emphatically replied. “It will not take me long to get ready. As for poetry, Mr. Rolfe can quote to his heart’s content. I shall enjoy it, I am sure.”

“But what about the important matter we were discussing when the nurse arrived? I am hungry for your answer. You surely have it ready.”

“Oh, that’s to be continued, like they say about a story,” Marion smilingly replied.

“On the trail?”

“Perhaps so.”

“And the conclusion?”

Marion paused as she was about to leave the room. Her thoughts flashed to the murder, and her suspected father. The troubled expression returned to her eyes as she turned them upon her lover’s face.

“The conclusion can only come after several more chapters have been written,” she quietly replied. “All depends upon the nature of those chapters. You must be patient and wait.”