Bob Hampton of Placer - Page 156/205

Mr. Bob Hampton stood in the bright sunshine on the steps of the hotel,

his appreciative gaze wandering up the long, dusty, unoccupied street,

and finally rising to the sweet face of the young girl who occupied the

step above. As their eyes met both smiled as if they understood each

other. Except for being somewhat pale, the result of long, inactive

weeks passed indoors, Mr. Hampton's appearance was that of perfect

health, while the expression of his face evidenced the joy of living.

"There is nothing quite equal to feeling well, little girl," he said,

genially, patting her hand where it rested on the railing, "and I

really believe I am in as fine fettle now as I ever have been. Do you

know, I believe I 'm perfectly fit to undertake that little detective

operation casually mentioned to you a few days ago. It 's got to be

done, and the sooner I get at it the easier I'll feel. Fact is, I put

in a large portion of the night thinking out my plans."

"I wish you would give it up all together, Bob," she said, anxiously.

"I shall be so dull and lonely here while you are gone."

"I reckon you will, for a fact, as it's my private impression that

lovely Miss Spencer does n't exert herself over much to be entertaining

unless there happens to be a man in sight. Great guns! how she did

fling language the last time she blew in to see me! But, Naida, it

isn't likely this little affair will require very long, and things are

lots happier between us since my late shooting scrape. For one thing,

you and I understand each other better; then Mrs. Herndon has been

quite decently civil. When Fall comes I mean to take you East and put

you in some good finishing school. Don't care quite as much about it

as you did, do you?"

"Yes, I think I do, Bob." She strove bravely to express enthusiasm.

"The trouble is, I am so worried over your going off alone hunting

after that man."

He laughed, his eyes searching her face for the truth. "Well, little

girl, he won't exactly be the first I 've had call to go after.

Besides, this is a particular case, and appeals to me in a sort of

personal way. It you only knew it, you're about as deeply concerned in

the result as I am, and as for me, I can never rest easy again until

the matter is over with."