These details of the Chase development were
insignificant when compared to a matter striking close home to Belding.
His responsibility had been subtly attacked. A doubt had been cast
upon his capability of executing the duties of immigration inspector
to the best advantage of the state. Belding divined that this was
only an entering wedge. The Chases were bent upon driving him
out of Forlorn River; but perhaps to serve better their own ends,
they were proceeding at leisure. Belding returned home consumed
by rage. But he controlled it. For the first time in his life he
was afraid of himself. He had his wife and Nell to think of; and
the old law of the West had gone forever.
"Dad, there's another Rojas round these diggings," was Nell's
remark, after the greetings were over and the usual questions
and answers passed.
Belding's exclamation was cut short by Nell's laugh. She was
serious with a kind of amused contempt.
"Mr. Radford Chase!"
"Now Nell, what the--" roared Belding.
"Hush, Dad! Don't swear," interrupted Nell. "I only meant to
tease you."
"Humph! Say, my girl, that name Chase makes me see red. If you
must tease me hit on some other way. Sabe, senorita?"
"Si, si, Dad."
"Nell, you may as well tell him and have it over," said Mrs.
Belding, quietly.
"You promised me once, Dad, that you'd not go packing a gun off
down there, didn't you?"
"Yes, I remember," replied Belding; but he did not answer her smile.
Pages:
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304