"Well, you take a man unawares," growled Crooks. "How long has this been
going on?"
"About two hours, I think," said Joe happily.
"Oh," said Crooks; "I was afraid you had been holding out on me. You're
sure about this, I suppose?"
They were very sure.
"Well," said Crooks judicially, "I don't know any young fellow I'd
rather give Jack to, Joe. Shake hands, you robber. But, mind you, you've
got to put your business on its feet before you marry her."
"I'll do it," Joe promised.
"Of course he will," Jack asserted with perfect faith.
Bill Crooks regarded them wistfully. In their youth and hope he saw his
own. He thought of a far day when he and a girl had faced the world
together, determined to wring from it success. The success had come, but
the woman of his heart no longer shared it with him. Suddenly he felt
old and lonely. He roused himself with a sigh and a shake of his big
shoulders. No one, not even his daughter, suspected old Bill Crooks of
sentiment. His thoughts were his own.