Let me tell you about that first
trip." And he told rapidly but in detail, the story of Nucky's first
two days in the Canyon.
Seaton listened with an absorbed interest. "Has he spoken of his
mother to you since?" he asked, when Frank had finished.
"No, and he probably never will again. Do you think you can clear the
matter up for him?"
"I'll certainly try! Do you like the boy, Frank?"
"Yes, I do. I think he's got the real makings in him. Better leave
him out here with me, Seaton."
Seaton's face fell. "I--I hoped he'd want to stick by me. But the
decision is up to the boy. If he wants to stay out here, I'll raise no
objections."
"I'm sure it would be better for him," said Frank. "Gambling is a
persistent disease. He's got years of struggle ahead of him, no matter
where he goes."
"I know that, of course. Well, we'll take the trip down the trail
to-morrow before we try to make any decisions. I must go along now.
He's waiting for me."
"Better put cotton in one ear," suggested Allen, with a smile.
The ride was a long and pleasant one. John Seaton gave secondary heed
to the shifting grandeur of the views, for he was engrossed by his
endeavor to replace the sullen, unboyish Nucky he had known with this
voluble, high strung and entirely adolescent person who bumped along
the trail regardless of weariness or the hour.
Pages:
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80