"But there's been no newspaper account item in the New York journals."
Bauer shook his head. "The cases at Monte Carlo don't get into the
newspapers." And then to Walter's embarrassment, Bauer broke down and
sobbed as if he would never stop. But after all, his father, in spite of
his sins, had really loved the boy, and Bauer was of a very affectionate
nature which had never in all his lifetime been satisfied.
Before Walter could offer a word of sympathy Bauer got up and bolted for
his room. Walter suspected what was coming and before Bauer could lock
his door he had gone in after him. The hemorrhage was severe. When Bauer
was through with it and on his couch, Walter rapidly outlined a plan for
Bauer. He must get out to the painted desert at once.
"I wanted to wait until you could go, but it isn't fair to ask you
before term closes and that won't be for six weeks. Oh, yes, I can make
it alone all right. Don't worry over that. And now I've got this money,
that settles it."
Walter wondered if he ought to tell him about the money from home.
Finally he did tell him frankly and was pleased at the way Bauer took
it. When Walter suggested that in case he had to stay out there any
length of time, the money would be held in trust for him, Bauer did not
object, simply saying that by that time he would either be well or dead.
Two days after this, Paul wrote that Mr. Masters at Tolchaco had written
cordially, saying Bauer would be welcome at the mission and could have
the old Council Hogan. He thought if his case was like a number of
others he had known, that it would be perfectly possible for him in a
year or two to be of real service about the mission.
Walter gave out all this information as he helped Bauer pack up. He had
misgivings about letting him start alone, but after consulting the
doctor, concluded there was no special risk for Bauer and when the day
came for him to leave, he was much pleased to note Bauer's good spirits
in spite of the shock of his father's act and his own dubious future.
Masters had sent word that Bauer was to go to Canyon Diablo where a wagon
would be waiting to drive him the twenty-four miles to Tolchaco. Walter
went down and saw him comfortably started and then went back to his
room, feeling relieved to know that matters were going so well, after
promising Bauer that if possible he would come and see him during the
summer. It would depend on the financial outlook.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account