"But it must have been great fun."
"How can you say so, Luke?" expostulated his mother. "It must
have been very uncomfortable, and dangerous to the health."
"I wouldn't mind it a bit, mother," said Luke, stoutly.
Roland Reed smiled.
{"I am not surprised that you and your mother regard the matter
from different points of view," he said. "It is only natural.
Women are not adapted to roughing it. Boys like nothing better,
and so with young men. But there comes a time--when a man
passes forty--when he sets a higher value on the comforts of life.
I don't mind confessing that I wouldn't care to repeat my old
mining experiences."
"I hope you were repaid for your trouble and privations, sir."
"Yes, I was handsomely repaid. I may soon be as rich as
your local magnate, Prince Duncan, but I have had to work
harder for it, probably."
"So you know the squire's name?" said Mrs. Larkin, in some surprise.
"I must have heard it somewhere," remarked Roland Reed.
"Have I got it right?"
"Yes; it's a peculiar name."
When they reached the cottage Mrs. Larkin set about getting supper.
In honor of her guest she sent out for some steak, and baked some
biscuit, so that the table presented an inviting appearance when
the three sat down to it.
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