“What’s all right? What is it you don’t care about?” “She didn’t have to write to me! She had a right to address the letter to you if she wished.” Suddenly the truth dawned on Dick; Brad was hurt because Nadia had not addressed the letter to him. “Well, you’re the limit for silliness!” Dick exclaimed. “Perhaps I am,” grated Brad. “I can’t help it. I know I’m no prize beauty. I know that beside you I’m a half-finished shine. It’s all right! Of course, all the girls are bound to get struck on you. They can’t help it. But you’ve got girls enough!” he added, in resentful rebellion. “To say nothing of June Arlington, there is Doris Templeton and——” Dick put an arm round his friend and laughingly checked him. “Don’t be such an ass, old man!” he entreated. “Nadia Budthorne is a beautiful girl, but I’m not struck on her, and——” “She is on you!” “I don’t believe it.” “Then explain some why she sent that letter to you. Why didn’t she address it to me or to the professor?” “It just happened that way. You know I disguised myself as old Mr. Allsquint and in that manner exposed Bunol and his gang, and I suppose that is why——” “Perhaps so,” admitted the Texan suddenly. “I reckon I am an ass, pard! I always was, and it’s becoming more and more natural for me. Of course you can’t be to blame if Nadia took a liking to you. Why shouldn’t she like you more than me? You’re the best chap in the world, and I’m just a very common and a very ordinary chump, without any particular polish and without any pretense to good looks.” “Brad,” said Dick earnestly, “you are one of the truest, finest, noblest fellows alive. Any one who comes to know you well can’t help liking you; and as for good looks—well, you bear the stamp of a man on your face, and therefore in the very best sense you are handsome. Stop running yourself down. What shall we do? Shall we light out of Edinburgh and make for Kinross and Lochleven to-day?” “Instanter!” exclaimed the Texan eagerly. “Let’s not lose an hour, pard!” CHAPTER III.—AT BEN CLEUCH
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