“You’ve prospected some, I see, even if you don’t get over the ground very fast,” Dan remarked; “and with it all, I reckon you’ve staked out some pay claims for yourself?” 128
The face of Harris contracted in a swift frown; he drew a long breath, and his clasped hands tightened on each other.
“I did,” he said, in a choked, nervous sort of way; “I did. If I could tell you of it, I would. You’re the sort of man I’d—But never mind. I’m not well yet—not strong enough to get excited over it. I’ve got to take things easy for a spell, or another stroke of this paralysis will come as my share. That handicaps me considerable. I was—was upset by something unexpected last night, and I’ve had a queer, shaky feeling ever since; can’t articulate clear. Did you notice? The—the only thing under God’s heaven I’m afraid of is that paralysis—that it will catch me again before I get my work done; and to-day—”
“Don’t talk of it,” advised Overton, as he noticed how the man’s voice hesitated and trembled, how excitable he was over the subject of his mineral finds and his threatened helplessness. “Don’t think of it, and you’ll come out all right yet. If I can do anything for you—”
The other man laughed in a spasmodic, contemptuous fashion.
“For me?” he said. “You can’t. I thought you could, but I was on a blind trail—you can’t. I can give you a lift, though—yes, I can. It’s about—about that girl. You—you tried to guard her last night, as if she was a flower the rough wind must not blow on. I know—I watched you. I’ve been there, and know.”
“Know what? You’re an infernal fool!” burst out Dan, with all his good nature out of sight. “No hints about the girl, or—or anything else! I won’t have it!”
“It’s no hint; facts are all I’d mention to you, and I’d do that just because I think you’re square. And they—they 129 are playing you. See? For he ain’t dead. I don’t know what their game is with you, but he ain’t dead; and there—there’s no telling what scheme he’s got her into this—this territory for. So I want you to know. I don’t want you to be caught in any trap of theirs. She—she looks all right; but he’s a devil—a thing infernal—a—”
Overton caught him by one arm, and swung him around like a child.
“Speak clear. No more of your blasted stuttering or beating away from points; who is the man you talk of? Who is playing with me? Now speak.”