And, besides, if she were in sympathy with her parent, why had she given me the hint which put me on the trail of the Development Company?
Why had she given me the hint at all?
That was the real riddle, and I had not, as yet, hit upon a plausible answer.

Those I had hit upon were ridiculous and impossible, and I put them from my mind.

But she was not tricky, that I knew.
Captain Jed changed the subject and we talked of Nellie's wedding, which was to take place in a month.

The captain was full of various emotions, regret at losing his daughter and joy because of her getting such a good husband.

His last words were these: "Ros," he said, "be careful, for my sake full as much as yours.