Part 43 (2/2)
The lawyer took the repulse calmly. He had not come to fight with Lon.
”It's my business as far as this is concerned. If you care for them, and intend to s.h.i.+eld them after you have them--well, say from all harm--and do your best for them, then I don't want your case. I'm willing to return your money.”
For a moment the elder man looked disconcerted; then he jumped to his feet with an oath.
”Put her there, Mister!” said he, with an evil smile. He thrust forth a great hand, and for an instant Everett placed his fingers within it.
”I thought I had not guessed wrongly,” the lawyer quickly averred. ”If that is how you feel, I can do better work for you.”
”I see that, Mister,” muttered Lon.
”Are those children really yours?” Everett took out a cigar and lighted it.
”Yep,” answered Lon, dropping his gaze.
Everett decided that the man had lied to him, and he was glad.
”I think you said you had some plans for the girl,” he broke forth presently.
”Yep; but no plans be any good when she's with Sh.e.l.lington.”
”But after she has left him? Would you be willing to change your plans for her?”
Cronk did not reply, but centered his gaze full upon Everett.
”The question is, would you, for a good sum of money, be willing to give her to me?”
”Why give her to ye, Mister--why?” His voice rose to a shout.
”I want her,” Everett answered quietly.
”What for?”
”I love her.”
”Ye want to marry her?” muttered Lon vindictively.
”No,” drawled Everett; ”I am going to marry Miss Sh.e.l.lington.”
”Good G.o.d! ye don't mean it! And yet ye take this case what's most interestin' to 'em? Yer gal won't like that, Mister.”
”She loves me, and when I explain that it's all under the law she'll forgive me. There's nothing quite like having a woman in love with you to get her to do what you want her to.”
”But her brother, he ain't lovin' ye that way. He won't forgive ye.”
”He doesn't cut any ice,” said Everett. ”In fact, I hate him, and--”
”Be ye lovin' my Flea?” Lon's voice cracked out the question like a gunshot.
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