That settles that."
"But you could persuade her."
"I won't, that's all."
"May I ask why?" Chases's voice was losing its suave quality, but
it was even swifter than before.
"Sure. I don't mind your asking," replied Belding in slow
deliberation. "I wouldn't do such a low-down trick. Besides, if
I would, I'd want it to be a man I was persuading for. I know
Greasers--I know a Yaqui I'd rather give Nell to than your son."
Radford Chase began to roar in inarticulate rage. Belding paid no
attention to him; indeed, he never glanced at the young man. The
elder Chase checked a violent start. He plucked at the collar of
his gray flannel shirt, opened it at the neck.
"My son's offer of marriage is an honor--more an honor, sir, than
you perhaps are aware of."
Belding made no reply. His steady gaze did not turn from the long
lane that led down to the river. He waited coldly, sure of himself.
"Mrs. Belding's daughter has no right to the name of Burton,"
snapped Chase. "Did you know that?"
"I did not," replied Belding, quietly.
"Well, you know it now," added Chase, bitingly.
"Sure you can prove what you say?" queried Belding, in the same
cool, unemotional tone. It struck him strangely at the moment what
little knowledge this man had of the West and of Western character.
"Prove it? Why, yes, I think so, enough to make the truth plain
to any reasonable man. I come from Peoria--was born and raised
there. I went to school with Nell Warren.
Pages:
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371