The agent was putting up his switch-lights; from the kitchen came a cheerful clatter of tinware.
“Now we buy some dry goods and wet,” said Leo. They went into the store.
“That decision’s come!” shrilled Pappy in tremulous excitement. “It’s too durn bad! Registered letters from Land Office for Taylor and Lake, besides another for Lake, not registered.”
“That one from the Land Office, too?” said Jeff.
“Didn’t I jest tell ye? Say, it’s a shame! Why don’t some of you fellers——Gosh! If I was only young!”
“It’s a travesty on justice!” exclaimed Leo indignantly. “There’s really no doubt but that they decided for Lake, I suppose?”
“Not a bit. He’s got the law with him. Then him and the Register is old cronies. Guess this other letter is from him unofficial, likely.”
Jeff seated himself on a box. “How long has this Lake got to do his filing in, Pappy?”
“Thirty days from the time he signs the receipt for this letter—durn him!”