“He’s growing up. One of these days, he’s going to send for Jim Radabaugh and tell him to clean up the town....”
“By God, if he does,” Kite swore, “I’ll tear him all to pieces.”
Routt got up. “When you start in to do that,” he said, “send for me. I might be able to help.”
“I won’t need any help to rip Wint Chase wide open.”
“You send for me,” said Routt insistently.
“All right. I’ll send for you.”
“I’ll be here,” Routt promised. When he went out through the store, he stopped and told Mary Dale she was the prettiest girl in town. Mary was pleased. She knew he didn’t mean it; she was simple enough, if you like; but she knew there were probably other girls just as pretty as she was. Nevertheless, she was glad Jack had told her she was pretty. She thought it meant he was pleased with her.
As a matter of fact, it only meant that he was pleased with himself. But that was a thing Mary Dale could not be expected to understand.
CHAPTER IV
WINT TO JOAN
WINT had lived very comfortably that winter, in Amos Caretall’s home, with old Maria Hale to take care of him. In the beginning, when Amos went away, he had protested at this arrangement. He told Amos he would go to a hotel, to a boarding house, hire a room somewhere.... He said he would not impose on Amos by living on his bounty.