Willock glared at him in silence,fingering the trigger thoughtfully.There I've sat,on that hill,he continued,since two o'clock last night,waiting for daylight so I could ask you to help a miserable wretch that's just starving to death for the sound of a girl's voice,and the sight of a girl's smile.Isn't this square,waiting for you,and telling you the whole truth?I never saw her but once,and that was from this same hill.She didn't know I was watching;it was yesterday.Maybe all I'm saying sounds just crazy to you,and I reckon I am out of my senses,but until I saw her I didn't know how heart-sick I was of the whole business.
It IS kinder lonesome,remarked the other gruffly.He lowered his gun and leaned on it,irresolutely.You've sure touched me in the right spot,son,for I knows all you mean and more that you ain't even ever dreampt of.But you see,we don't know nothing about your name,your character,if you've got one,nor what you really intends.I like your looks and the way you talk,fine,just fine,but I've saw bobcats that was mighty sleek and handsome when they didn't know I was nigh.
My name in Wilfred Compton.I--I have a letter or two in my pocket that I got a long time ago;they'd tell something about me but I'd rather not show 'em,as they're private--
From your gal,I reckon?asked Willock more mildly.Yes,he answered gloomily.
Carried 'em as long as a year?Nearly two years.
Mean to still lug 'em around?Of course I'm going to keep 'em.
Well,I don't deny THAT'S pretty favorable.Now look here,son,I've been half-crazy from lonesomeness,and I don't believe I've got the heart to send you away.That gal of ours--she's just a kid,you understand....Now you wouldn't be taking up no idea that she was what you'd classify as a young lady,or anything like that,eh?
Of course not--she's fifteen or sixteen,I should think.Upon my honor,Willock,any thought of sentiment or romance is a thousand miles from my mind.