Belding imagined the sooner the Gales were
told that Dick was to marry Nell the better for all concerned, and
especially for Nell. In the general conversation that ensued he
sought for an opening in which to tell this important news, but
he was kept so busy answering questions about his position on
the border, the kind of place Forlorn River was, the reason for
so many tents, etc., that he was unable to find opportunity.
"It's very interesting, very interesting," said Mr. Gale. "At
another time I want to learn all you'll tell me about the West.
It's new to me. I'm surprised, amazed, sir, I may say....But, Mr.
Belding, what I want to know most is about my son. I'm broken
in health. I've worried myself ill over him. I don't mind telling
you, sir, that we quarreled. I laughed at his threats. He went
away. And I've come to see that I didn't know Richard. I was
wrong to upbraid him. For a year we've known nothing of his
doings, and now for almost six months we've not heard from him
at all. Frankly, Mr. Belding, I weakened first, and I've come to
hunt him up. My fear is that I didn't start soon enough. The
boy will have a great position some day--God knows, perhaps
soon! I should not have allowed him to run over this wild country
for so long. But I hoped, though I hardly believed, that he might
find himself. Now I'm afraid he's--"
Mr. Gale paused and the white hand he raised expressively shook
a little.
Belding was not so thick-witted where men were concerned.
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