“I am going the other way—to the city!” He showed considerable temper.
“We have plenty of time before the down train is due, father,” Celene told him. He reached after the reins, but she held them away from him, showing that she had more or less of the Kingsley obstinacy, herself.
“What do you want, sir? Quick!”
It was a rather contemptuous command, but it was showing more consideration for a member of the Sidney family than I had dared to hope for. If he had taken up the whip and lashed at me at first meeting I would not have been surprised. It was evident that my personal appearance was having weight with him. I ventured to believe that the Sortwell boys had been advertising me in town, though they were only a few hours ahead of me.
I rolled my eyes around, trying to think of something sensible. I saw the sign again.
“What is your price on this wood-lot, Judge Kingsley?”
“I can’t stop to talk business, sir.”
“But I’m simply asking the price. You’re advertising it. You must have put a price on it.”
“I’ll be back in a week or ten days. Come to me then. I’m in a hurry.”
I put on a fine air of importance.