Sheriff Marlin is in a fury. He realizes that he cannot serve two masters and he decides to be faithful to Gorman Purdy.
"It is not my will that you are opposing, Mr. Trueman," he says with emphasis. "It is your employer's."
The word "employer's" grates on Harvey's ears.
"Mr. Purdy is my employer, but he is not my master. I shall serve my conscience before I do any man. But I do not believe that Mr. Purdy would countenance this outrage."
"What do you mean by saying that the widow has a thousand dollars to her credit?" the sheriff asks.
"I mean that she has this thousand dollars," and Trueman drew the check from his pocket. "It is to be placed to her credit. I have something to say about the company stores."
"I shall take this business direct to Mr. Purdy," the sheriff threatens as he walks off.
The miners and their wives who have witnessed the quarrel between
Trueman and Marlin give expression to their feelings in whispered words
of praise for the young lawyer who bid defiance to the Sheriff of
Luzerne County, the most dreaded man in that part of Pennsylvania.
The widow grasps Harvey's hand and before he can withdraw it she covers it with kisses. Her tears of gratitude fall on his hand. He appreciates that it is but tardy justice that he is doing to the poor woman.
"You need have no fear of being turned out of your home," he tells her.
Then he springs back into the saddle.