Sadie had a strained look and had been quiet for the last week or two
except when she was angry. This indicated that her nerves were on edge,
and Keller thought he knew why.

"I guess we've got to have a talk," he said. "I've put it off, but now's
the time."

Sadie waited calmly. She had courage and knew she must be frank with
her father. He did not, as a rule, say much, but he noted things and
understood.

"Well," he resumed, "I've built up a pretty good business here, but I'll
have to quit and leave you some day, and reckon you won't be satisfied
to stop at the hotel all your life. You're smart and a looker, and I
guess you want to go out and see the world. That's all right, and you'll
be able, as far as dollars count; but I can't go with you and you can't
go alone."

Sadie shivered. Keller's face was pinched, and she knew his health was
not good, although she did not know how bad it really was.

"I couldn't leave you, anyway, and hope you'll be with me a long time
yet."

"It's possible," said Keller. "All the same, I can't keep my grip on
the business long and want a man to help. But I'm not going to trust a
stranger or a hired man. You see where this leads?"

Sadie saw and made a vague gesture, though her glance was level.