“You—HAVE!” he cried. “You don't even take the trouble to—You have the face to stand there and tell me—”
He almost choked.
“Captain Dean,” I interrupted, quickly, “wait a moment. Listen to me. I have sold Colton the land. I did not intend selling it at all, least of all to him, but circumstances compelled me to change my mind. I did it because I was obliged to. It is done. I am sorry I had to do it, but, under the same conditions, I should do it again. I am not ashamed.”
He leaned forward, steadying himself with a hand upon the table, and stared at me.
“You ain't ashamed?” he repeated. “You ain't ashamed! Why, you—Didn't you tell me you'd never sell that land? Didn't you promise me?”
“I did not promise anything. At first I promised not to sell without letting you know of my intention. Afterward I took back that promise.”
“But why did you sell? You said it wan't a question of price at all. You made your brags that it wan't! To me, over and over, you made 'em. And then you sneak off and—”
“Stop! I did think it was not a question of price. Then I found out that it was.”
He clenched his fist.
“Damn you!” he shouted, furiously. “You liar! You sneak! After I—”