"Ay, ay! What do I mean! And now you're all red. Kate, I got an idea
it's nigh onto time to let Dan start on his way."

He could not have found a surer way to drive the crimson from her face
and turn it white to the lips.

"Dad!"

"Well, Kate?"

"You wouldn't send Dan away!"

Before he could answer she dropped her head against his shoulder
and broke into great sobs. He stroked her head with his calloused,
sunburned hand and his eyes filmed with a distant gaze.

"I might have knowed it!" he said over and over again; "I might have
knowed it! Hush, my silly gal."

Her sobbing ceased with magic suddenness.

"Then you won't send him away?"

"Listen to me while I talk to you straight," said Joe Cumberland,
"and accordin' to the way you take it will depend whether Dan goes or
stays. Will you listen?"

"Dear Dad, with all my heart!"