King understood his mother perfectly. She would scorn directly to deceive him, yet to intrigue quietly but effectively against him in such a case as this she would consider only her duty. She had seen clearly his interest in the stranger, unintroduced and unvouched for, taken in by kind people in an emergency, and though showing unquestionable marks of breeding, none the less a stranger. She had feared for him, in his present vulnerable condition; and she had done her part in preventing that final parting which might have contained elements of danger. That was all there was to it. For the present King was helpless, and there could be no possible use in reproaching his mother for her action--or lack of action. Once let him get up on his feet, his own master once more--then it would be of use to talk. And talk he would some day. Also he would act. Meanwhile-- Red Pepper Burns came out of the house and scrutinized his friend and patient closely as he approached. "Want to go on, or shall I take you home?" he inquired. "Take me on--anywhere--everywhere! Something inside will break loose if you don't." King spoke with a smothered note of irritation new to him in Burns's experience. "You've about reached the limit, have you?" The question was straightforward, matter-of-fact in tone, but King knew the sympathy behind it. "I rather have," the young man admitted. "I'm ashamed to own it." "You needn't be. It's a wonder you haven't reached it sooner; I should have. Well, if you stand this drive pretty well to-day you ought to come on fast. With that back, you may be thankful you're getting off as easily as you are." "I am thankful--everlastingly thankful. It's just--" "I know. Blow off some of that steam; it won't hurt you. Here we are on the straight road. I'll open up and give you a taste of what poor Henley felt the first time his crippled body and his big, uncrippled spirit tasted the delight of 'Speed.' Remember?" "Indeed I do. Oh, I'm not complaining. You understand that, Red?" "Of course I understand--absolutely. And I understand that you need just what I say--to blow off a lot of steam. Hurt you or not, I'm going to let loose for a couple of miles and blow it off for you."