Page:The Baron of Diamond Tail (1923).pdf/241

 Nearing"

"I went to your house; you were not there," the old man said, something severely chiding in his tone. "While you dance, they rob you."

"They rob me whether I dance or stand still," Barrett replied testily, losing patience with the old man's reticent, roundabout way. "If you've got anything to say, say it. What's the matter?"

"They rob you not alone of your cattle, but of your bride," said Manuel, slowly, solemnly, giving Barrett time to weigh every word as it was spoken.

"My bride? Hell! I never had a bride," said Barrett in the explosive way of the range. "What do you mean—my bride?"

"They will marry her; maybe by this time she is married to another man."

"Alma?" Barrett demanded, prickling with a thousand points of fire.

He stepped close to Manuel in his eagerness to have the instant truth, and laid hold roughly of his arm.

"Alma," Manuel repeated, with expressive accent of confirmation.

"Who's going to marry her, Manuel? They can't marry her unless she's willing, man!"

"It is the price Nearing pays for silence. I heard them when my ear was on the grass."

"Findlay? You mean Findlay?"

"It is his price."

"When? You don't mean tonight?"

"Tonight. They are waiting for the old lawyer. When he comes. But maybe if you ride fast"