“There, that makes this room feel better,” said the colonel. “That there is the finest, sweetest, truest girl that walks this sphere,” he said, pointing at Kate's photograph, “and the other, I guess you know all about her.” “Yes, I know about her,” said Ranald, looking at the photograph; “it is to her I owe everything I have that is any good. And Colonel,” he added, with an unusual burst of confidence, “when my life was broken off short, that woman put me in the way of getting hold of it again.” “Well, they both think a pile of you,” was the colonel's reply. “Yes, I think they do,” said Ranald. “They are not the kind to forget a man when he is out of sight, and it is worth traveling two thousand miles to see them again.” “Ain't it queer, now, how the world is run?” said the colonel. “There's two women, now, the very best; one has been buried all her life in a little hole in the woods, and the other is giving herself to a fellow that ain't fit to carry her boots.” “What!” said Ranald, sharply, “Kate?” “Yes, they say she is going to throw herself away on young St. Clair. He is all right, I suppose, but he ain't fit for her.” Ranald suddenly stooped over his valise and began pulling out his things. “I didn't hear of that,” he said. “I did,” said the colonel; “you see he is always there, and acting as if he owned her. He stuck to her for a long time, and I guess she got tired holding out.” “Harry is a very decent fellow,” said Ranald, rising up from his unpacking; “I say, this boat's close. Let us go up on deck.” “Wait,” said the colonel, “I want to talk over our plans, and we can talk better here.” “No,” said Ranald; “I want some fresh air. Let us go up.” And without further words, he hurried up the gangway. It was some time before Colonel Thorp found him in the bow of the boat, and immediately began to talk over their plans. “You spoke of going to Toronto first thing,” he said to Ranald. “Yes,” said Ranald; “but I think I ought to go to Ottawa at once, and then I shall see my people in Glengarry for a few days. Then I will be ready for the meeting at Bay City any time after the second week.” “But you have not put Toronto in there,” said the colonel; “you are not going to disappoint that little girl? She would take it pretty hard. Mind you, she wants to see you.” “Oh, of course I shall run in for a day.” “Well,” said the colonel, “I want to give you plenty of time. I will arrange that meeting for a month from to-day.” “No, no,” said Ranald, impatiently; “I must get back to the West. Two weeks will do me.”