“That was what your proposition was to be, was it?” asked Rathburn pleasantly. “Rob the bank? Why, I didn’t need a gang to rob the bank, Eagen, an’ I didn’t have anybody in with me. The trouble with you is that you’ve got too much imagination.”
The drawl in which Rathburn concluded his speech drove Eagen to a frenzy.
“You lie, Rathburn!”
Rathburn smiled. “I might as well tell you that I intended to get away with that money that’s on the table, Eagen. That’s what I took it for. I’m making this little statement because something’s liable to happen to one, or both of us. I didn’t know Doane was cashier of the bank when I took it. I only recently learned that fact. Then I brought it back to turn over to him, not so much on his account as on account of Miss Mallory. I understand Doane is a very good friend of Miss Mallory. I wouldn’t want his bank hurt for that reason.”
It was Laura Mallory who cried out at this. She walked toward Rathburn, although he did not look at her.
“Why did you do it, Roger?” she asked in a trembling voice.
“I can’t tell you that, ma’am,” he said.
“But I know!” she cried. “I’ve guessed it. You saw Mr. Doane and me together in Hope to-day and remembered he was at the ranch last night, and–––”
“Don’t say any more, Laura!” Rathburn commanded sternly.