Gale left the patio, and Belding followed closely at his heels.
They went through the sitting-room. Outside upon the porch sat
the rangers, Mr. Gale, and Thorne. Dick went into his room without
speaking.
"Shore somethin's comin' off," said Ladd, sharply; and he sat up
with keen eyes narrowing.
Belding spoke a few words; and, remembering an impression he had
wished to make upon Mr. Gale, he made them strong. But now it was
with grim humor that he spoke.
"Better stop that boy," he concluded, looking at Mr. Gale. "He'll
do some mischief. He's wilder'n hell."
"Stop him? Why, assuredly," replied Mr. Gale, rising with nervous
haste.
Just then Dick came out of his door. Belding eyed him keenly. The
only change he could see was that Dick had put on a hat and a pair
of heavy gloves.
"Richard, where are you going?" asked his father.
"I'm going over here to see a man."
"No. It is my wish that you remain. I forbid you to go," said
Mr. Gale, with a hand on his son's shoulder.
Dick put Mr. Gale aside gently, respectfully, yet forcibly. The
old man gasped.
"Dad, I haven't gotten over my bad habit of disobeying you. I'm
sorry. Don't interfere with me now. And don't follow me. You
might see something unpleasant."
"But my son! What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to beat a dog."
Mr. Gale looked helplessly from this strangely calm and cold son
to the restless Belding. Then Dick strode off the porch.
Pages:
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392