``I suppose they must,'' she admitted.

The old man hesitated; then, as if impelled
by some hidden force, he plunged on:

``Yes; and they'll be comin' to you one of
these days, Miss, and that's what I was wantin'
to speak to ye about. I understand, of course,
that when you get there you'll be wantin' younger
blood to serve ye. My feet ain't so spry as they
once was, and my old hands blunder sometimes,
in spite of what my head bids 'em do. So I wanted
to tell ye--that of course I shouldn't expect to
stay. I'd go.''

As he said the words, Pete stood with head and
shoulders erect, his eyes looking straight forward
but not at Billy.

``Don't you _want_ to stay?'' The girlish voice
was a little reproachful.

Pete's head drooped.

``Not if--I'm not wanted,'' came the husky
reply.

With an impulsive movement Billy came
straight to the old man's side and held out her