Part 47 (1/2)

”I should not bother you with anything except business. And as this is of a private nature, I must ask you to invite me to your room.”

Harlan led the way to the elevator.

Linton did not remove his overcoat when they were closeted together. He stood with hat in his hand.

”It may surprise you to learn that my business concerns Miss Presson and the legislative ball to-morrow evening,” began Linton, but Harlan indignantly broke in.

”You can have no possible business with me, sir, in which Miss Presson's name may be mentioned. Don't you use her name--not in any way.

Do you understand?”

”I understand this: I know what I'm talking about and exactly why I've come here, and you're going to listen. Miss Presson has accepted your escort to the ball to-morrow evening. Don't you know, Thornton, why you can't take Madeleine Presson into public, this whole State looking on? I hate to say any more than that. I don't think it's necessary for me to say any more than that!” His face was hard, his tone accusing.

”I tell you, you have no right to mention Miss Presson to me!” cried the other.

”I'm taking it on myself, and I'm giving you a chance by doing it,”

retorted Linton. ”The story is bad enough now. But you'll be drummed out of this State if you insult an innocent girl in the way you plan to do.”

In his indignation Thornton had been slow to grasp the fact that his rival was making hints that both affronted and threatened. His conscience accused him of nothing. He felt the crackle of paper in his breast-pocket. He promptly suspected that Linton had gleaned a hint of the proposed legislation which would involve Madeleine's father.

He tried to control his anger.

”Will you kindly explain to me by just what right you say this,” he sneered--”except, possibly, that you're jealous because Miss Presson chose me as her escort.”

”I have a right as a friend of her mother, if nothing else! I am keeping this thing as still as I can for your sake, for in this case protecting you means protecting her. I don't want to say any more! But sudden illness must prevent you from accompanying Miss Presson into public at that ball.”

Harlan beat a palm upon his own breast.

”I've had enough of this, Linton. You tell me what you're driving at.”

It was plain that Linton hated to be more explicit. This culprit did not seem to quail before vague accusation, as he had expected him to do. He was faced by a young man whose face was lighted by wrath, curiosity, and kindred emotions that were obviously not those of guilt.

”Let me say this in my own defence,” pleaded Linton. ”Spinney was going right to Mr. and Mrs. Presson with the story. I got it from him almost by accident. We were talking over our railroad bill this evening, and he mentioned your stand. Then he out with the story that he picked up when he was in Fort Canibas. I do not listen to gossip, Mr. Thornton, but it is plain that Spinney has facts. I have inquired in a prudent way of other men from your section. He has the story, but what they say confirms it.”

Harlan listened, his blank amazement depriving him of speech.

”I've said enough now, haven't I?” asked Linton, significantly.

”No, by G.o.d, you haven't!” shouted the other, coming out of his lethargy of astonishment. The recollection of Spinney's sinister hints came to him. ”What do you mean?”

”I mean that a man who will fool and throw over a girl in a way that drives her away from home and friends is no fit escort--”

He got no further. He knew a thoroughly maddened and dangerous man when he saw one. He stepped back when Harlan dashed at him, and Thornton halted of his own accord. After a time he calmed himself enough to speak.

”I'll not begin with you, Linton. I'll begin with the man who started that d.a.m.nable lie. Oh, that--that--!” He flailed his arms about his head, unable to express himself. ”You've been lied to. You don't know any better than to say that. If you hadn't been jealous you'd never have brought the story to me. I'll make allowances,” he raved on; ”but the man who started that story will swallow it with teeth and blood mixed.”

He stamped about the room. It was so horrible that he could not grasp the enormity of the lie all at once.

Linton was impressed but not routed. He waited till Harlan was quieter.