human
I guess you must have known it, he said, the sinewy hand fast gripped in his.
gpt
You've come like an answer to prayer. Where have you been all this time? And why didn't you write? It's worried me some not hearing.
human
Great Lucifer!
gpt
So you are winning out? he said.
human
It's been a long trail, I'll wager.
gpt
Oh, damnably long, Boney. Lucas uttered a weary sigh.
human
I was nearly down and out in the winter. But I'm better, you know. I'm better. He met the open criticism of Nap's eyes with a smile.
gpt
What's the verdict?
human
I'll tell you presently. You're not looking overfed anyway. Nap's fingers began to feel along his wrist.
gpt
Did Capper say he wanted a skeleton to work on?
human
Shucks, dear fellow! There's more than enough of me. Tell me about yourself. What have you been doing? I want to know.
gpt
I? Nap jerked back his head.
human
I've nothing to tell, he declared.
gpt
You know what I went to do. Well, I've done it, and that's all there is to it.
human
I'm not quite clear as to what you went to do, Lucas answered.
gpt
You didn't turn up in Arizona. I was puzzled what to think.
human
You never expected me to go to Arizona, said Nap with conviction.
gpt
You were shrewd enough for that.
human
Thanks, Boney! P'r'aps I was. But I've been hoping all this while, nevertheless, that you might have the grit to keep the devil at arm's length.
gpt
Will it interest you to know that the devil has ceased to provide me with distractions?
human
That so, Boney?
gpt
It's no virtue of mine, he said.
human
I found I wanted solitude, so I went to the Rockies and stayed there till I was tired. That's all.
gpt
Old chap, I'm real glad, the tired voice drawled.
human
You've found yourself at last. I always felt you would--sooner or later.
gpt
Don't be too sure of that. Anyway it doesn't follow that I shall sit at home and practise the domestic virtues. I've got to wander a bit first and find my own level.
human
Not yet, dear fellow. I'm wanting you myself.
gpt
You! The thin lips began to smile.
human
That's real magnanimous of you. But--thanks all the same--I'm not taking any. You have the mater and Bertie and Anne Carfax to bolster you up. I guess I'm not essential.
gpt
And I guess you can do more for me than any one of them, Lucas made quiet reply.
human
P'r'aps you'll think me a selfish brute to say so, but I need you badly. You're like a stimulating drug to me. You pick me up when I'm down. There is no one can help me in the same way.
gpt
You wouldn't get Capper to say 'Amen' to that,
human
Capper is no oracle out of his own sphere. Besides, there was almost a note of pleading in Lucas's voice,
gpt
I know what I want better than he can tell me.
human
True, very true! Nap was smiling somewhat grimly.
gpt
And doubtless your wish is law. But it doesn't follow that you always desire what is best for yourself. Hadn't you better consult the queen before you admit the wasp to the hive?
human
You're too fond of talking in parables, my son, protested Lucas, frowning slightly.
gpt
My intelligence won't stretch to it.
human
We'll try another, said Nap imperturbably.
gpt
Do you think Anne Carfax would thank you for asking me to pull in the same boat? Do you think she would second that request? Because, if so, I beg to differ.
human
She may be ready to put up with it for your sake. There's nothing some women won't do for a man they care for, and I take it she has your welfare next her heart. But it's rather much to ask of her. You wouldn't want to run the risk of frightening her away.
gpt
Boney, he said slowly at length,
human
I'd give a good deal to see into your soul.
gpt
Who's talking in parables now? Afraid I can't show you what I haven't got.
human
What makes you conclude that I am more to her than--any other man?
gpt
Circumstances,
human
What circumstances?
gpt
Finding her installed here as one of the family for one. Finding you pulling off the biggest deal of your life for another. And other signs--crowds of them--that I can't explain but that I can't fail to notice when I've got my nose to the trail. You needn't be shy about it. I'm just as pleased as you are.
human
Nap, I don't believe you'll lie to me when I tell you that I'd rather die than be deceived. I know you cared for her once.
gpt
I care for most women, said Nap indifferently.
human
What of that? It's the way I'm made, and I must say they don't most of 'em seem to mind.
gpt
But, Boney--Anne Carfax?
human
Oh, I'm cured of that--quite cured. The paths of perpetual virtue are not for me. I prefer more rapid travelling and a surer goal.
gpt
I make you a present of Anne Carfax, he said lightly.
human
Not that she is mine to give. But I wouldn't keep her if she were. We belong to different spheres.
gpt
And yet--
human
My dear fellow, that's an old story. Impulsively Nap cut in, almost fierily.
gpt
Do you think the woman is living who could hold me after all this time? I tell you that fire is burnt out. Why rake over the dead ashes?
human
I am looking for the Divine Spark,
gpt
And if you found it?
human
If I found it, very steadily came the answer,
gpt
I would blow it to a flame, Boney, for your sake--and hers.
human
For hers?