Chapter 17: The Settlement

⁠​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌⁠Though Helen was the better linguist, it was left to Spencer to explain that circumstances would prevent the lady from going to Malenco that day. He did not fully understand why the men should exchange glances of darksome intelligence when he made this statement. He fancied they were disappointed at losing a good customer; so he went on brokenly:

"You are in no hurry, eh? Well, then, take us across