BROTHER TO BROTHER
Jean was left in ignorance as to the occurrences of the night. No further attempts were made to interfere with the ditch; but the flume itself sagged in the middle by natural subsidence of the loose soil, and much of it had to be set up again. Angus was sick at heart, for the damage done by the combination of hot winds and lack of water was irreparable. Much of his crop would not be worth cutting.
And this, of all times, was the one chosen by Jean to re-open the question of Turkey's return to the ranch. She urged Angus to ask him. Angus flatly refused.
"He is our brother—our younger brother," Jean urged.
"If he were fifty times my brother, I would not. I tell you he has worn out my patience, and I am glad he went. He made trouble enough when he was on the ranch, and now—"
But suddenly recollecting himself he broke off. Jean's face was grave.
"Angus," she said, "what has Turkey done?"
"Nothing," he replied sullenly.
"That is not the truth, Angus."
"Then whatever he has done it is more than enough. Let it go at that. I will not talk about it to you or any one."