Murphy gave him a savage glance.
“I was goin’ to say,” he said sullenly, “that we could make arrangements about it’s bein’ paid off at the Pahrump bank.”
“Oh!” Robinson stretched out comfortably. His hand caressed the gun at his belt, and Murphy watched that hand with attention. “Oh! But s’pose it can’t be paid off? Was you about to offer to renew the note?”
“I’m right sorry,” and Murphy ignored his questioner, addressing himself to Estella Shumway. “Right sorry, ma’am, but I can’t very well renew. Ye see——”
“Never mind goin’ into the matter, feller,” said Robinson. His voice had a sting to it. “You turn around and address them remarks to me. It looks mighty funny about you bein’ so anxious to look around the place, after you got a glimpse o’ me settin’ here. What’s your rush to look at land, huh? What you tryin’ to kill time for? Expectin’ to meet somebody else here?”
Murphy regarded him with veiled hatred.
“I dunno what you’re talkin’ about, Robinson,” he said. “I rode over here square and open to transact business. That business ain’t with you——”
“Oh, ain’t it?” jeered Robinson. “Look here, you! I don’t like your looks, and I don’t like the name you’re sailin’ under, savvy? If I’d known as much yesterday as I know now, I wouldn’t ha’ scratched that hand of yours, not a bit of it! I was a blamed fool. Now, if you expect me to turn my back on you any more, you got another guess coming. You’re the one that’s going to turn your back, and do it pronto!”
“Are you threatening me?” demanded Murphy belligerently.
“Threaten you? My gosh, no!” Robinson chuckled. “You ain’t worth it, you red hawg! I want to see you ridin’ away from here in a hurry. Oh, never you mind, Stella! This gent isn’t going to act as mad as he looks. That isn’t his style. Murphy, go grab for your gun if you want; I’ll give you till you grab it. Hurry up! Grab for it!”