Page:Hugh Pendexter--Kings of the Missouri.djvu/382

 Fort Union in a keelboat we got from Mr. McKenzie. I am a little bit proud of that. Your whole Upper Missouri outfit tried to stop us and couldn't. Now I'll be going along."

"Stop, you idiot!" thundered Parker, and Lander wheeled expecting to be attacked. "You and your twopenny reputation! Want to get back down-town and have folks point you out, eh? You a mountain man! Why, you young pup—"

"That's enough," choked Lander. "I may never be a mountain man, but I'm done standing your abuse, sir." "Then what'n the devil you hanging round here for? Huh? Eh? Get out, you impudent cub. Hi! Not that way. Out the back way, same's the servants do."

Pale with passion, yet compelling himself to remember it was a sick man and Susette's father. Lander persisted in making for the front door. Again Parker's voice called profanely after him and added: "The other way! She's in the garden."

An hour passed before they began their return to earth.

"Your father was so queer. I don't