human
There's a heap of food coming along for them presently,
gpt
I've been settin' that old fur fort to rights, way up in the hills back ther', he said, pointing vaguely behind them.
human
Guess we'd best move up ther' now the farm's--sold. We'll need a few bits of furniture from the farm. That right--now you've sold it?
gpt
Yes. I made that arrangement. She didn't seem to mind anything I suggested. She must be a bully sort of woman. I'm sorry I didn't see her. The lawyer says she comes from St. Ellis.
human
Young?
gpt
I wouldn't say so. A young woman with money wouldn't be likely to hide herself in these hills.
human
That's so. Guess it's the gold fetching her--the gold that isn't here.
gpt
Gold's a cursed thing,
human
Yet none of 'em seem to shy at the curse.
gpt
No. Not without experiencing it. The Padre's eyes were still serious. Then he went on,
human
We shan't farm any up there--at the fur fort?
gpt
It means clearing every inch of land we need. Guess we best hunt, as we said. We'll make out with pelts. There's the whole mountains for traps.
human
See here, Buck, he said, with what seemed unnecessary emphasis.
gpt
I've thought a heap on the way back--home. It seems to me I'm not acting square by you. And I've made up my mind. He paused. Buck did not change his position, and his eyes were carefully avoiding those of his companion. Then the Padre went on with a decision that somehow lacked confidence.
human
You must take half the money, and--and get busy your own way. We've done farming, so there's no reason for you to hang around here. You're a man now, and you've your way to make in the world. You see, when we had the farm I thought it was good for you. It would be yours when I died, and then who knows, in time, how valuable it might become? Now it's all different. You see the hills are best for me. He smiled strainedly.
gpt
They've always been good friends to me. But----
human
Yes, you don't fancy leavin' the hills.
gpt
Just so. I've known them so long now that there doesn't seem to be any other world for me. Even Leeson Butte makes me feel--er--strange.
human
Say, we don't sleep at the farm to-night, he said.
gpt
The blankets are up at the old fort. That's why I got around here. When's she comin' along?
human
In two or three days. The Padre had no choice but to follow the younger man's lead.
gpt
She's sending along a farm woman first. She's going to run the place herself.
human
Ther's no man comin'?
gpt
I don't think so.
human
They can't do it--hereabouts, Buck retorted quickly.
gpt
That farm needs a man.
human
Yes.
gpt
Going?
human
I'll get along with the vittles, and hand 'em over to the boys. Guess I'll git back to the fort in a few hours.
gpt
Buck!
human
Yes?
gpt
About that money. There's five thousand of it yours.
human
Not on your life, Padre!