“He does not!” she spat back. “I’m ashamed of you, Wiley Holman; taking advantage of a crazy man like that!”
96“Well, I don’t know,” he began in a slow, drawling tone that cut her to the quick, “he may not be as crazy as you think. I’ve just been offered a half interest in the Paymaster if I’ll come out and take charge of it.”
“You have!” she cried, starting back and staring as he regarded her with steely eyes. “Well, are you going to take it?”
“I don’t know,” he answered. “Thought I’d better see you first–it might be taking advantage of Blount.”
“Of Blount!” she echoed and then she saw his smile and realized that he was making fun of her.
“Yes,” went on Wiley, whose feelings had been ruffled, “he may be crazy, too. He sure was looking the part.”
“Now don’t you laugh at me!” she burst out hotly. “This isn’t as funny as you think. What’s going to happen to us if you take over that mine? I declare, you’ve been standing in with Blount!”
“I knew it,” he mocked. “You catch me every time. But what about Charley here–does he get his money or not?” He turned to Death Valley, who was standing in the doorway watching their quarrel with startled eyes. “I guess you’re right, Charley,” he added, smiling wryly. “It must be something in the air.”
“Are you going to take that offer,” demanded Virginia, wrathfully, “and rob me and mother of our mine?”
97“Oh, no,” he answered, “I turned it down cold. I knew you wouldn’t approve.”