He shook his head and walked to the door.
“I want to say something to her first and give her time to think it over. Look out for the bag, and I'll bring in the things.”
He swung the rough board door wide, slammed it and disappeared in the darkness.
The young wife watched the bag a moment with consuming curiosity. She had fiercely resented his insulting insinuations at her curiosity, and yet she was wild to look at that glowing pile of gold inside and picture the old woman's joyous surprise.
Her hand touched the lock carelessly and drew back as if her finger had been burned. She put her hands behind her and crossed the room.
“I won't be so weak and silly!” she cried fiercely.
She heard Jim cranking the car. It would take him five minutes more to start it, get it under the shed and bring in the suit-case and robes.
“Why shouldn't I see it!” she exclaimed. “He has told me about it.” She hesitated and struggled for a moment, quickly walked back to the bag and touched the spring. It yielded instantly.
“Why, it's not even locked!” she cried in tones of surprise at her silly scruples.
Her hand had just touched the gold when Nance entered.