Bang went something outside, and Slade started. "Good Lord," he said, "there's somebody firing at us. Sit down, man, on the floor."
"Nothing of the kind," said Carter testily. "My boy Trouble has got the engines going to try to work us off this bank, and with his usual cleverness he has contrived a back fire, that's all. There—you can smell it. Now, I don't think you are a quarrelsome man as a general thing?"
"Not I. Too much trouble to quarrel with people."
"Well, I'll just ask you to give Laura and myself your benediction, and leave the rest to us."
Slade let off his limp laugh. "If a wedding present of such dubious value will please you, I'm most pleased to give it. Especially as I see you're inclined to stick to my little girl. To tell the truth, I'd heard you were after somebody else and it made me rather mad. You know how rumors float about in the bush."
Carter's lips tightened. "Who's the other person, please?"
"Oh, just my present employer—and your late one. But I've no doubt it's all a mistake."
"If you'll apply to her, I've no doubt she'll endorse that sentiment most thoroughly. I don't think Miss O'Neill's a person to throw herself away on one of her own ex-servants."
Slade chuckled. "If you put it that way, I'm sure she isn't. By the way, do you know who she is?"
"What do you mean?"