Antony had a sense of moral shock. This passed frivolity. Really, the girl was scarcely human; sympathy was wasted on her.
"Did you know the sheriff was coming?" the freckled-faced imp pursued, after a mildly contemptuous stare at his patron's incomprehensible friend. "I wouldn't go with him, if I was you. My uncle says he's got no right to make you."
"Of course he's got no right," Antony exclaimed angrily, "but what can I do about it? I can't fight eight or ten men, can I? I'd rather go than be carried."
"Why don't you jump into that automobile?" the boy asked abruptly. "I would. She goes easy--I saw him start her up before. She'll whizz off, I'll bet you!"
The girl turned abruptly. "That's it!" she cried; "let's do that, Mr. Tony!"
In a flash he caught the practical possibility of the scheme. Once at his uncle's and the affair was finished. But common sense gave pause.
"I can't run the thing," he admitted with vexation, "I don't know the first thing about them." 35
"Oh, that's nothing--they run themselves!" she said competently, "I'm used to them. Hurry--here comes a man, now!"
It was indeed the fact that a burly, self-satisfied creature was advancing towards them, and Antony's blood boiled at the pompous rustic's meaning glance.
"Come, come, Mr. Tony!" she urged excitedly.