She was thinking that it would be safer to handle Rivers than to let others use him, and she knew something of the trouble at the yellow house. Jan-an had regaled her with some rare tidbits.
“Peneluna, Mary-Clare and I have had some words; I’ve left home.”
There was no answer to this. Larry moistened his lips and went on:
“Perhaps Mary-Clare has told you?”
“No, she ain’t blabbed none.”
This was disconcerting.
“She wouldn’t, and I am not going to, either. It’s just a misunderstanding, Mrs. Sniff. I could go away and let it 99 rest there, but I fear I’ve been away too much and things have got snarled. Mary-Clare doesn’t rightly see things.”
“Yes she does, Larry Rivers! She’s terrible seeing.” Peneluna’s eyes flashed.
“All right then, Mrs. Sniff. I want her to see! I want her to see me here, looking after her interests. I cannot explain; you’ll all know soon enough. Danger’s threatening and I’m going to be on the spot! You’ve all got a wrong line on Maclin, so he’s side-stepped and listened to me at last; I’m going to show up this man Northrup who is hanging round. I want to hire your house, Mrs. Sniff, and live on here until–––”
Peneluna sneezed lustily; it made Larry wince.