The burning eyes narrowed. The old man lifted a shaking hand and pushed the tangled beard away from his lips.
“Curse you!” he panted. “Why are you here?”
“Why, father!” cried Paula. “You told me to bring him!”
“Him?” It was a mutter, deep in the throat, labored and harsh. “You were to get a doctor, girl! This man is a thief, like the others. He comes to steal our fortune from us.”
Both bewilderment and terror stared out of the girl’s eyes. Her hand on the old man’s brow drew the matted hair back, smoothed and smoothed the hot skin.
Fully realizing the futility of seeking to reason with unreason, nevertheless Sheldon said gently: “I didn’t come to steal anything. I was just loafing through the country, got lost, and came here.”
“Liar!” scoffed the other. “I know what you want. But you can’t have it; it is my secret!”
“But, Father,” pleaded Paula, her lips trembling, “why did you send me for him if he—”
“Mr. Hamilton,” began Sheldon.
The old man frowned.