And the work he's given his life to--the _good_ that _service_ really does--all depends on you and me, Russ!" I assented, gloomily enough.

Then I waited while he pondered.
The moon soared clear; there was a cool wind rustling the greasewood; a dog bayed a barking coyote; lights twinkled down in the town.
I looked back up at the dark hill and thought of Sally Langdon.

Getting here to Linrock, meeting Steele had not changed my feelings toward her, only somehow they had removed me far off in thought, out of possible touch, it seemed.
"Well, son, listen," began Steele.

His calling me that was a joke, yet I did not feel it.

"You've made a better start than I could have figured.
Neal said you were lucky.Perhaps.But you've got brains.
"Now, here's your cue for the present.