“Certainly, and do it quickly, for those old imps mean mischief to Clarence.”
“To Clarence!” exclaimed Alice and her mother at the same time.
“Yes, mother, Web. might be right. You might just be in time to unmask some lie against Clary,” Everett suggested.
“One thing is sure, that those men already have too much influence over father, and we have done nothing to oppose it,” Alice said. Mrs. Darrell was silent, then, looking at her children, said:
“You might be right, my children, but that would not justify my listening at the keyhole.” Everett shrugged his shoulders, saying:
“All right, mother. Come on, Web.” And both boys left the room. When they were out, Everett said: “Web, get a horse saddled and tie him at the back porch for me. I am going to listen from Jane's room; one of her windows is right over those men. If what I hear makes it necessary for me to see Clarence, I shall go to town. Get a horse saddled immediately and come to me.”
CHAPTER XXV.—The Squatter and the Don.
Everett found Lucy in Jane's room. Both were sewing by the window he wanted. He squeezed himself into a seat between his sisters, saying:
“Girls, I want to hear. Hush! Listen!”
Voices were heard below. All listened. As Webster was coming down stairs he saw John Gasbang going out at the other end of the parlor, pushing a large arm-chair out upon the porch. He heard them laughing at some of Gasbang's coarse, vulgar jokes, and then all sat down. After some desultory talk, Mathews, evidently anxious to begin at what they had to state, said: