Kate, I got an idea it's nigh onto time to let Dan start on his way." He could not have found a surer way to drive the crimson from her face and turn it white to the lips.
"Dad!" "Well, Kate ?" "You wouldn't send Dan away!" Before he could answer she dropped her head against his shoulder and broke into great sobs.

He stroked her head with his calloused, sunburned hand and his eyes filmed with a distant gaze.
"I might have knowed it!" he said over and over again; "I might have knowed it! Hush, my silly gal." Her sobbing ceased with magic suddenness.
"Then you won't send him away ?" "Listen to me while I talk to you straight," said Joe Cumberland, "and accordin' to the way you take it will depend whether Dan goes or stays.

Will you listen ?" "Dear Dad, with all my heart!" "Humph!" he grunted, "that's just what I don't want.

This what I'm goin' to tell you is a queer thing--a mighty lot like a fairy tale, maybe.

I've kept it back from you years an' years thinkin' you'd find out the truth about Dan for yourself.