She wrote in reply and begged him under no circumstances to come until conditions were more favourable. He got this letter the day before he was to start.
“I ’ll go and I ’ll see him if I have to fight my way into his house, that’s all there is to it!” he exclaimed.
When he reached Independence, St. Clare met him at the depot, and gave him an eager welcome.
“I’ve been expecting you, you hard-headed fool!” he said impulsively.
“Well, your words are not equal to your handshake. What’s the matter?” asked Gaston.
“You know what’s the matter. Miss Sallie has been to see me this afternoon, and begged me to chain you at my house if you came to town to-day.”
“Well, you ’ll need handcuffs, and help to get them on,” replied Gaston with quiet decision.
“Look here, old boy, you’re not going down to that house to-night with the old man threatening to kill you on sight, and your girl bordering on collapse!”
“I am. I’ve been bordering on collapse for some time myself. I’m getting used to it.”
“You’re a fool.”