"I have been wondering how I could have you alone for a few minutes, and tell you what is on my mind before I see MacDonald again to-night.

I'm afraid you will be displeased with me, Joanne.

I hardly know how to begin.

But--I've got to." A moment's uneasiness came into her eyes as she saw how seriously he was speaking.
"You don't mean, John--there's more about Quade--and Culver Rann ?" "No, no--nothing like that," he laughed, as though amused at the absurdity of her question.

"Old Donald tells me they have skipped the country, Joanne.