Page:Hugh Pendexter--Kings of the Missouri.djvu/62

 "Is it not much better, m'sieu, for the old men of the village to correct their young men than for outsiders to take over the task?"

The trapper gave him a belligerent glance, recognized the wrinkled face, and fretfully snarled:

"I don't want none o' yer fight, Etienne Clair. If yer knife is lookin' for meat it can look farther."

Papa sighed despondently and settled back and toyed with his wine. Lander, who was watching Phinny, was scarcely conscious of this little by-play; and as he gazed his eyes glared wickedly. The loss of his position, the warning to keep away from the Pine Street home and Susette, were all attributed to the dark face up the line.

Phinny had been drinking enough to make him reckless. If not for Tilton's public avowal of favor a dozen hands would have pawed at him before he was ten feet inside the door. Again he flapped his arms and crowed. Beyond side glances no attention was paid him this time. Cocking his head insolently he strutted the length of the bar. Papa Clair heard Lander's boots scrape on the rough floor as he drew his feet under him.

Phinny now saw him and his dark eyes