Chapter 45
affection in his voice as he said:
'Forget old friends! How could I forget the only home I ever knew?
Why, I was in such a hurry to come and tell my good luck that I
didn't stop to fix up, you see; though I knew you'd think I looked
more like a wild buffalo than ever,' with a shake of his shaggy black
head, a tug at his beard, and a laugh that made the room ring.
'I like it; I always had a fancy for banditti--and you look just like
one. Mary, being a newcomer, was frightened at your looks and
manners. Josie won't know you, but Ted will recognize his Danny in
spite of the big beard and flowing mane. They will all be here soon
to welcome you; so before they come tell me more about yourself. Why,
Dan, dear! it's nearly two years since you were here! Has it gone
well with you?' asked Mrs Jo, who had been listening with maternal
interest to his account of life in California, and the unexpected
success of a small investment he had made.
'First-rate! I don't care for the money, you know. I only want a
trifle to pay my way--rather earn as I go, and not be bothered with
the care of a lot. It's the fun of the thing coming to me, and my
being able to give away, that I like. No use to lay up; I shan't live
to be old and need it,--my sort never do,' said Dan, looking as if
his little fortune rather oppressed him.
'But if you marry and settle somewhere, as I hope you will, you must
have something to begin with, my son. So be prudent and invest your
money; don't give it away, for rainy days come to all of us, and
dependence would be very hard for you to bear,' answered Mrs Jo with
a sage air, though she liked to see that the money-making fever had
not seized her lucky boy yet.
Dan shook his head, and glanced about the room as if he already found
it rather confined and longed for all out-of-doors again.
'Who would marry a jack-o'-lantern like me? Women like a steady-going
man; I shall never be that.'
'My dear boy, when I was a girl I liked just such adventurous fellows
as you are. Anything fresh and daring, free and romantic, is always