“Fred!” exclaimed the girl, startled by his passion of pleading. “Fred, I’ve never tried to make you think I cared for you. And now––well, I’d have to have a long time to think it over. How would it help you out of trouble, Fred? Tell me that.”
“By helping me forget––by helping me forget that our bank is ruined! By saving my mind! By keeping me from going mad! By–––”
“Fred you must not talk so. That robbery has unnerved you for the time being, that’s all. You’re excited and so–––”
“I’m more than excited,” he declared, trying to put his hands on her shoulders. “I’m about––about––gone! Laura, marry me to-night, and we’ll go somewhere––we’ll go somewhere right from here, from this ranch––go a long way and get married in the morning. Then we can stay away for a short time till I get to be myself again.”
“No, Fred,” replied the girl in convincing tones, “I can’t. It would be asking too much even if I loved you. Come inside, and I’ll make you some strong tea. You can talk to father and me and regain control of yourself.”
There was a moment of silence. Mallory with the lamp had come to the door at the sound of Doane’s loud voice. He was looking at them. Then out of the night came the pound of hoofs. There was no mistaking the sound.
Doane whirled around, as a rider came out of the sea of mesquite and greasewood and flung himself from the saddle in front of the porch. The bank cashier turned toward Mallory. His face was haggard. He seemed to sway, as the rider came stamping up the steps. He darted for the door, but had hardly got inside before the rider caught him and made him face about. Mallory hurried in with the lamp, followed by the girl.
Doane was quailing before the new arrival. Both cried out, as they saw it was Eagen who had broken out so suddenly. Eagen towered above the shrinking Doane.
“So you thought you’d double cross me, did you, eh?” came Eagen’s harsh voice, and he slapped Doane in the face.