if she would but listen to what I say to her.”

“And what is it that you say to her?” I inquired as coolly as though his answer might not very easily be a slap with his fringed sleeve across my face.

“I have asked her to marry me,” he said. “Do you understand why I tell you this?”

I shook my head.

“To avoid killing you at twenty paces across the river� . I had rather tell you than do that.”

“So that you have told me,” said I, “the reason for your telling matters nothing. And my business with you ends with your answer� . Only — she is my friend, Boyd — a playmate of pleasant days. And if you can efface that wretchedness from her face —