“I said to scoot,” said Lafe presently, in suppressed tones. He was magnificent in his ferocity.
“I heard you!” observed Maudlin, still sitting, though a little cowed in his former egotistical spirit.
Lafe picked up the hammer and pounded frantically on the sole of a shoe.
“I’m goin’ to have money,” muttered Maudlin when the cobbler paused for a few nails.
As Lafe proceeded with his work silently, Maudlin said:
“I’ll marry Jinnie and take the empty shack next to pa’s. I got money, I said.”
Lafe’s lips were moving rapidly, but the other could not hear what he was saying. The fact was, the cobbler was asking for strength and self-control.
“Where’s Jinnie?” demanded Maudlin again.
“She ain’t here,” said Lafe, “an’ I want you to get out before she comes.”
He said this more gently, because his muttered prayers had somewhat assuaged his rage.