" "I'm not so certain I do not like you all the more for
that decision. And if it will comfort you the least bit, you have my
word of honour that I shall not reveal to my uncle the identity of
the man behind the N. C. O. I'm not a tattletale, you know, and
moreover I have a great curiosity to get to the end of the story. The
fact is, both you and Uncle Seth annoy me exceedingly. How lovely
everything would have been if you two hadn't started this feud and
forced upon me the task of trying to be fair and impartial to you
both."
"Can you remain fair and impartial?"
"I think I can--even up to the point of deciding whether or not you
are going to build that road. Then I shall act independently of you
both. Forgive my slang, but--I'm going to hand you each a poke then."
"Shirley," he told her earnestly, "listen carefully to what I am
about to say: I love you. I've loved you from the day I first met
you. I shall always love you; and when I get around to it, I'm going
to ask you to marry me. At present, however, that is a right I do not
possess. However, the day I acquire the right I shall exercise it."
"And when will that day be?" Very softly, in awesome tones!
"The day I drive the last spike in the N. C. O."
Fell a silence. Then: "I'm glad, Bryce Cardigan, you're not a
quitter.
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