Jim, coming around the house, took the horse. "He's out somewhere on the
place," said Curtin. "Miss Land, too. But they will be back by twelve.
Did you ride from Rock Mountain this morning?"
"Yes. It's not so far once you know the way."
He took the chair that Curtin hospitably pushed forward, and sat
apparently in a brown study, while the other speculated. At last said
Drew: "This is a good, big farm with room, I shouldn't be surprised, for
another worker. At any rate, I've ridden over to ask Mr. Linden to
employ me."
"Do you like farming better than forestry?"
"I like it better plus some other things." His eyes swept the hills
that shut in the vale. "There is rich forest here. Any woodland that he
has I could cut and replant. I know something of farming, too, and I can
learn more. I'd give good work in return for the other things that they
can teach me, and that I want."
He regarded Curtin with brooding eyes. "Ever since I could remember I
have been beset by the past. A man told me once that I was conscious
there, but hadn't co-ordinated it with the present and the future. It
was some time ago, and he went away at once and I never found his like
again--until I came here. I don't think there are many of them, living
at any one time. The only wisdom I've got is the wisdom of going where I
think I may find help."
"How about Randall?"
"I'm very fond of Randall. But he can't help me here, nor I him. He
thinks it's just my 'queerness.' There's a man in Washington who will be
mighty glad to get my job. He's a friend, too, of Randall's. I want to
stay here for a year. Then I may go foresting again with Randall. I
don't want to lose him. If Mr. Linden can't use another man this winter
perhaps he will take me in the spring. In that case I'll go, and come
again. I've talked it all out with Malcolm Smith, our chief at Rock
Mountain. Brown in Washington will come down right away."
At twelve appeared Linden. He stood in the hall door. "Is it you, Drew?
I will be down in a moment to shake hands." They heard his step going up
to his room. "Blind, and not blind!" said Curtin. "There's some profound
development of sensibility."
"I am not a scholar," said Drew. "I haven't got the names to give to
things. That's a part of my need."
Marget and Miss Darcy came up from the river path. They had been, it
seemed, to the overseer's house. Marget gave her hand to Drew. "I am
glad to see you again!" There was no surprise in her warm and happy
voice. "Your room is all ready for you."
They had dinner. When it was over Drew went with Linden into his study.
The three others lingered a little in the pleasant, wide hall. The day
was again right October; amber and garnet and sapphire; balm with
nothing of lethargy.