“Well, I dare; and I must have the hundred pounds, too,” answered Reid. “Come, it’s no use swearing; ye may as well make things pleasant for us both.”
Without another word Henderson turned on his heel and strode away. The men had met in the avenue and Reid saw Henderson walk rapidly back to the house and disappear from his view. But it was impossible almost to describe the furious rage that possessed Henderson’s soul as he did so.
“This is too much,” he muttered darkly between his bitten lips, and he at once proceeded to his own room, vowing vengeance as he went.
“He shall not live to insult me again,” he swore fiercely; and then he sat down deliberately and tried to think how he could best carry out his murderous intentions.
Reid saw nothing more of him during the day, but after nightfall, about eight o’clock, Henderson walked down to the stables, where he was almost sure to find Reid at this hour. The groom was there engaged in looking after the horses, and he turned around and nodded as his so-called master entered.
“There’s the money you asked for,” said Henderson, in a sullen tone, holding out a check, “and I hope it’s the last you’ll want for some time.”
Reid took the check and glanced at it, and then put it in his pocket-book.
“That’s all right,” he said, and then he proceeded to discuss the points of the animal he proposed to purchase.
“She’s a real beauty,” he said, and so on.
Henderson took very little notice. Presently, however, he addressed the groom.