"Yes," continued Craig, in an instantly and radically changed
tone, "the people like a married man, a man with children. It
looks respectable, settled. It makes 'em feel he's got a stake in
the country--a home and property to defend. Yes, I want a wife."

"I don't see why you've neglected it so long."

"Too busy."

"And too--ambitious," suggested Arkwright.

"What do you mean?" demanded Josh, bristling.

"You thought you'd wait to marry until you were nearer your final
place in the world. Being cut out for a king, you know--why, you
thought you'd like a queen--one of those fine, delicate ladies
you'd read about."

Craig's laugh might have been confession, it might have been mere
amusement. "I want a wife that suits me," said he. "And I'll get
her."

It was Arkwright's turn to be amused. "There's one game you don't
in the least understand," said he.

"What game is that?"

"The woman game."