"Say what? How did you know I wanted to say something? But it's nothing particular. It's just—everything!"
"It's sure a surprise to me. Why, only yesterday I hinted to Chetwood that it was doubtful if he could support a wife—and to-day he bids in my whole ranch." He laughed, but with little mirth, for the sense of obligation lay heavy on him.
"I wonder if Jean knew?"
"I don't think so. Why, she wanted him to homestead—said he'd have to make good before she'd marry him."
"Jean is so practical!" sighed his wife. "Now I'd never have said anything like that to you. I'm glad that Braden didn't get the ranch. Odious beast!" Angus chuckled. "Well, he is!"
"Easily! I never happened to think of that particular descriptive phrase, though."
"I don't want to hear your descriptive phrases. He's a horrible man. I shudder when he looks at me. He—he seems to be thinking evil things about me—plotting—Oh, I don't know. Did you see his face when he saw that he would be overbidden? It turned white, and then green. Oh, you may laugh! I saw it."
"It was a jolt for him. He had it working like an oiled lock up to then. Some day I will play even with him."
"He didn't accomplish his end. He's beneath your notice."
"No man who tried to hand me what he did is beneath my notice," he said grimly. "Yes, I'll settle with him some day."