Not until they were inside, and Peggy Blackton had disappeared with Joanne for a few moments, did Aldous take old Donald MacDonald's note from his pocket.

He pulled out the quill, unfolded the bit of paper, and read the few crudely written words the mountain man had sent him.

Blackton turned in time to catch the sudden amazement in his face.

Crushing the note in his hand, Aldous looked at the other, his mouth tightening.
"You must help me make excuses, old man," he said quietly.

"It will seem strange to them if I do not stay for supper.