"I've been meaning to ride over your way for ages," he declared, his rubicund face shining with geniality as he wrung his friend's hand hard.

"I was up-country when you came along last with your bride.

Dark horse that you are, Burke! I should as soon have thought of getting married myself, as of seeing you in double harness." Burke laughed his careless laugh.

"You'll come to it yet.

No fun in growing old alone in this country." "And what's the lady like ?" pursued Kelly, keen for news as an Irish terrier after a rat.