"I
ain't got a thing against you, but Rawson goes too far."
"I think he does," Jeff agreed. "Killen is all right. Gentlemen,
suppose you let him and me talk it over alone. We can reach an
agreement that is satisfactory."
Hardy's face cleared. This was not the first waverer Jeff had
brought back into line, not the first by several. There was
something compelling in his friendly smile and affectionate
manner.
"I'm sure Mr. Killen intends only what is right. I'm content to
leave the matter entirely with you and him," Hardy said.
Jeff turned to Rawson. "And you, old warhorse?"
"Have it your own way, but don't forget there's a nigger in the
woodpile."
Jeff and Killen walked to the office of the latter, which was on
the next floor of the Century Building, the legislator stiffening
his will to resist the assaults he felt would be made upon it. But
as soon as the door was shut Jeff surprised him by laying a hand
on his shoulder.
"Tell me all about it, Sam."
Killen gasped. He got an impossible vision of young Farnum as his
brother in trouble. "About what? I didn't say--"
"I've known for a week something was wrong. I couldn't very well
ask you, but since I've blundered in you'd better let me help you
if I can.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133