"I
don't believe in it, but I'll do it. I need you."
"You've always treated me better than I ever deserved," said Bob
earnestly, "and I'll stay all summer, or all next winter--until you feel
that you do not need me longer; but I'm sure that I must go."
For two days Welton disbelieved the reality of his intention. For two
days further he clung to a notion that in some way Bob must be
dissatisfied with something tangible in his treatment. Then, convinced
at last, he took alarm, and dropped his facetious attitude.
"Look here, Bob," said he, "this isn't quite fair, is it? This is a big
piece of timber. It needs a man with a longer life in front of him than
I can hope for. I wanted to be able to think that in a few years, when I
get tired I could count on you for the heavy work. It's too big a
business for an old man."
"I'll stay with you until you find that young man," said Bob. "There are
a good many, trained to the business, capable of handling this
property."
"But nobody like you, Bobby. I've brought you up to my methods. We've
grown up together at this. You're just like a son to me.
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