"So did I, Miss Sumner; hence I take it that you are
quite ready to start."
"Quite, Mr. Cardigan."
"Then we'll drift. George, suppose you pile Miss Sumner's hand-
baggage in the tonneau and then pile in there yourself and keep
Marcelle company. I'll drive; and you can sit up in front with me,
Miss Sumner, snug behind the wind-shield where you'll not be blown
about."
"I'm sure this is going to be a far pleasanter journey than the stage
could possibly have afforded," she said graciously as Bryce slipped
in beside her and took the wheel.
"You are very kind to share the pleasure with me, Miss Sumner." He
went through his gears, and the car glided away on its journey. "By
the way," he said suddenly as he turned west toward the distant blue
mountains of Trinity County, "how did you happen to connect me with
Cardigan's redwoods?"
"I've heard my uncle, Colonel Seth Pennington, speak of them."
"Colonel Seth Pennington means nothing in my young life. I never
heard of him before; so I dare say he's a newcomer in our country.
I've been away six years," he added in explanation.
"We're from Michigan. Uncle was formerly in the lumber business
there, but he's logged out now."
"I see. So he came West, I suppose, and bought a lot of redwood
timber cheap from some old croaker who never could see any future to
the redwood lumber industry.
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