“He was tight as a biled owl,” declared Sim; “and ugly--don't talk! Wanted to fight me because I wouldn't believe he was goin' to work. Him! What in the everlastin' would HE want to work for? My heavens to Betsy!” CHAPTER XIII I think Taylor was almost as surprised as Eldredge had been, when, at half-past eight the following morning, I appeared at the bank. He was already at his desk and, when he looked up and saw me, he whistled. “Whew!” he exclaimed. “So. I didn't dream it, after all. You're here, ain't you.” “I am here,” I answered, opening the gate and stepping in behind the rail. “Going to take it back and say you never said it?” “No.” “Come to go to work? Really?” “That is my intention, unless you have changed your mind.” “Not me. It ain't likely. But, Ros, I--sit down a minute and let's talk. What are you doing this for?” It was a question I had been asking myself at intervals during a restless night. Now I gave the only truthful answer. “I don't know,” I said. “You don't know!” “No. And I don't seem to care. Suppose we don't talk about it. I am here, and I am ready to begin work. That's enough, isn't it?” “Why, no; not quite. You're not doing it just to help me out?” “No.” “You don't need to work. You've got money enough.” “No, I haven't. But money isn't my reason. I haven't any reason. Now show me the books, will you?” “Don't be in a hurry. What does your mother think about it?” “I haven't told her yet. Time enough for that when I know that I really mean it and you know that I am competent to fill the position. George, if you keep on cross-examining me I am likely to quit before I begin. I don't know why I am doing this, but just now I think I am going to do it if I can. However, I am not sure. So you had better be careful.” “Humph! What did you catch up at that pond yesterday? I never saw a day's fishing make such a difference in a man in my life. . . . All right, Ros. All right. I won't pester you. Too glad to have you here for that. Now about the salary.” “Before we speak of that there is one more point. How about your directors? Dean and the rest? Do they know you offered me the position?” “Sure thing! They put the whole affair in my hands. They'll be satisfied. And as for Cap'n Jed--why, he was the one that suggested hiring you in the first place.” “Captain Jed! Captain Jed Dean! HE suggested it?” “Yup. In a way, he did. You may not know it, Ros, but you've made a good deal of a hit with the old man. He ain't been used to having anybody stand up to him as you have. As a general thing Denboro jumps when he snaps the whip. You didn't, and he couldn't understand why. He is the kind that respects anything they can't understand. Then, too, Nellie likes you, and she's his idol, you know. Ah hum!” He sighed and, for a moment, seemed to forget me altogether. I reminded him by another question.