He had no weapons with which to deal with this composed young person in overalls and scarlet hose.

He swallowed his anger; but his curiosity now clamored for satisfaction.
"May I ask just who you are and why on earth you brought me up here ?" "Those are fair questions--two of them.

To the first, I am Allen Thatcher, and this is my father's house.

To the second--" He hesitated a moment, then shrugged his shoulders and laughed.

"Well, if you must know,--I was so devilish lonesome!" He gazed at Harwood quizzically, with a half-humorous, half-dejected air.
"If you're lonesome, Mr.Thatcher, it must be because you prefer it that way.