He stayed until the next day, which was rather longer than any of them expected; and it was not by accident that he came upon Weston alone before he went away.

The latter was then engaged in lighting a fire, and his employer sat down on a fir branch and quietly looked him over.
"Foot getting better ?" he asked.
"I think it is," said Weston.
Stirling nodded.
"I understand that you have been of some service to these people; and they're my daughter's friends," he said.

"Is there anything I can do for you ?" "No," replied Weston, "I don't think there is." The contractor looked at him steadily for a moment or two.
"Well," he said, "if anything strikes you, there's no reason why you shouldn't let me know.

Feeling anxious to get back to the track ?" Weston's eyes twinkled.
"I don't think I am." "Then you may stay right where you are, and take care of my daughter.
If she wants to climb mountains or shoot rapids, it's to be done; but you'll fix things so it can be done safely.

You're in charge of this outfit, and not that major man." Stirling was never addicted to mincing matters, but Weston could not quite repress a grin.
"It would make things a little difficult if Major Kinnaird understands that," he said.
"Then you must see that he doesn't.