Page:Caroline Lockhart--The Fighting Shepherdess.djvu/131

 THE BANK PUTS ON THE SCREWS

place to go but that little homestead back in the hills. I've no one in the world to turn to. Won't you give me a trial, and then if you see I can't handle it—" "It's no use arguin'." Wentz brought both hands down on the arms of the chair in impatient finality. "We're goin' to ship as soon as we can get cars and drive to the railroad, so you might as well turn them sheep over and stop hollerin'."

Kate rose and took a step forward, her hands outstretched in entreaty:. "Once more I ask you—give me a little time—I'll try and raise the money somewhere—ten days—give me ten days—I beg of you!" "Ten years or ten days or ten minutes—'twould be all the same," his voice was raucous as he, too, stood up. He looked at her contemptuously. "No; it's settled. The bank's goin' to take over them sheep, and if there's anything left after the mortgage is satisfied you'll get it." He indicated that the interview was over. "Step in, Pantin."

For the second time within the week Kate went out in the street stunned by the blow which had been dealt her. She stood uncertainly for a moment on the edge of the I sidewalk and then began slowly to untie the bridle reins. "Here's a message that came for you yesterday; we had no way of getting it to you." The girl from the telephone office was regarding her curiously. Kate turned at the sound of a voice beside her, and took the message which had been telephoned from the nearest telegraph office.

Have just learned of your trouble. Is there anything I can do for you? All sympathy.

HUGH