Tony sighed impatiently as Johnny and the old man went inside.
When the two men reached the office Kent shot his demand at the boy without a second’s delay:
“I want that picture!”
“I told you I’d give it to Molly if she won’t let me keep it. That’s my answer. I never knew till an hour ago what she meant to me. I’m tellin’ you fair, now, that I’m takin’ my orders from her.”
“Well, you’re armed, and so is the Basque, but I’ll have my say before very long. You stay ’way from my daughter. You’re a fool if you’re countin’ on puttin’ her between us. She’s my girl! Keep your picture! She’ll be askin’ for it quick enough. Don’t let me hear that you’re showin’ it round, makin’ talk. By God, there won’t be room enough in this State for you if you do.”
“Your opinion of me does credit to you, don’t it?” the boy snapped back. “Funny you didn’t find me out long ago.”
“You keep your back talk,” Kent roared. “Where you goin’ when you leave here?”
Johnny smiled enigmatically.
“That’s a fair question. I’ll ask you one, and we’ll be even-Stephen. When you left Standing Rock this mornin’ you told Hobe you were off for Winnemuc. I’d admire to know what made you change your mind.”
“What do you mean?” gasped the old man. “My comin’s and goin’s are my own business. Are you hintin’ at somethin’?