Page:Honore Willsie--Judith of the godless valley.djvu/122

 "I don't know what I'll do. I'll talk to Jude, first." And Charleton would say no more.

He found Judith in the milking shed, and while he talked to her there Douglas engaged his father's attention in the living-room. Here Judith swept upon them.

"Doug Spencer, as long as I live, I'll not speak to you again! You promise breaker, you—"

"Wait, Jude! I haven't told anybody. Did I tell you, Charleton?"

"I've told her that you didn't but she won't believe me," grinned Charleton.

"Scott wouldn't have told. Doug was the only one that knew!" Judith paced the floor.

"What the devil has broke loose?" demanded John.

"Now you have started something, Jude," groaned Douglas.

"Judith! Do calm down!" pleaded her mother, who had taken her hands out of the biscuit dough and now stood, twisting her fingers, in the doorway.

"Well," said Charleton, "I don't know any reason why I should keep quiet after the pretty names Jude has called me. It was Judith that helped Scott double-cross us up on Lost Chief Peak. She claims she didn't know it was our deal."

"She didn't, either!" cried Douglas stoutly.

John gasped, "Jude! She got away with your cattle, Charleton? That sure-gawd is funny! Jude! O Lord!" And John burst into a tornado of laughter that lasted until he dropped weakly on his bed.

Judith stared at him, uncertainly, as did her mother. Douglas scowled. Charleton lighted a cigarette.

"Of course, it has its humorous side," said Charleton, as John's shouts died down. "But I've served notice on