Strahan felt that there was nothing to do but to take the proffered hand, so irresistible was the constraint of his host’s courtesy, although felt to be without warmth or cordiality.  Disguising his inward protest by a light laugh he said:  “I could shake hands with almost any one on such a mutual understanding.  Well, since we have begun on the basis of such absolute frankness on my part, my next thought is, What shall be our relations while you are here?  I am a busier fellow than I was at one time, and my stay is also uncertain, and sure to be brief.  I do not wish to be unneighborly in remembrance of old times, nor do I wish to be obtrusive.  In the natural order of things, I should show you, a comparative stranger, some attention, inform you about the natives and transient residents, help you amuse yourself, and all that.  But I have not the slightest desire to make unwelcome advances.  I have plenty of such in prospect south of Mason and Dixon’s line.”

Merwyn laughed with some heartiness as he said:  “You have attained one attribute of a soldier assuredly,—­bluntness.  Positively, Strahan, you have developed amazingly.  Why, only the other day we were boys squabbling to determine who should have the first shot at an owl we saw in the mountains.  The result was, the owl took flight.  You never gave in an inch to me then, and I liked you all the better for it.  Come now, be reasonable.  I yield to you your full right to be yourself; yield as much to me and let us begin where we left off, with only the differences that years have made, and we shall get on as well as ever.”

“Agreed,” said Strahan, promptly.  “Now what can I do for you?  I have only certain hours at my disposal.”

“Well,” replied Merwyn, languidly, “come and see me when you can, and I’ll walk over to your quarters—­I suppose I should so call them—­and have a smoke with you occasionally.  I expect to be awfully dull here, but between the river and the mountains I shall have resources.”

“You propose to ignore society then?”

“Why say ‘ignore’?  That implies a conscious act.  Let us suppose that society is as indifferent to me as I to it.”

“There’s a little stutterer down at the hotel who claims to be an English lord.”

“Bah, Strahan!  I hope your sword is sharper than your satire.  I’ve had enough of English lords for the present.”

“Yes, Merwyn, you appear to have had enough of most things,—­perhaps too much.  If your countrymen are uninteresting, you may possibly wish to meet some of your countrywomen.  I’ve been abroad enough to know that you have never found their superiors.”

“Well, that depends upon who my countrywoman is.  I should prefer to see her before I intrude—­”

“Risk being bored, you mean.”

“As you please.  Fie, Strahan! you are not cultivating a soldier’s penchant for women?”

“It hasn’t needed any cultivating.  I have my opinion of a man who does not admire a fine woman.”