"I have a right to do as I please."
"And so have!"
"You have no right to follow me."
"That remains to be seen, Arnold Baxter. I would like to ask you a few questions."
"Would you, indeed?" sneered the tall man.
"Yes. I won't waste words. Were you and my father enemies years ago?"
At this direct question Arnold Baxter scowled darkly. "Yes, if you are anxious to know," he muttered.
"I fancied as much. You tried to swindle him out of some Western mining property."
"The boot was on the other leg—he tried to swindle me—ran off to Africa with my papers, I think, or else left them somewhere where I can't find them."
"I do not believe you, for my father was an honest man, while you are the boon companion of a thief."