I've just got to go, and that's all there is to it.

I'll fix things with the missus, and tell her you're in charge.

Anyway, I won't be gone any longer than I can help." "I believe that, too," said Jim softly, and busied himself with the shears.
Ford looked at him sharply, in doubt as to just how much or how little Jim meant by that.

He finally shrugged his shoulders and went away to tell Mrs.Kate, and found that a matter which required more diplomacy than he ever suspected he possessed.

But he did tell her, and he hoped that she believed the reason he gave for going, and also had some faith in his assurance that he would be back, probably, in a couple of days--or as soon afterwards as might be.
"There's nothing but chores to do now around the ranch, and Jack will ride fence," he explained unnecessarily, to cover his discomfort at her coldness.