All arose.
Hughes said: “As we all wish to know more about that land sale, we will come back this evening to hear what the Don says.”
“Very well. I am going to ask all he knows about it.”
“He knows everything, the greaser!” Mathews growled.
“But you think Clarence paid the money?” asked Darrell.
“Of course he did, to get the girl,” laughed Gasbang; then added: “It was all a put-up job, and they kept the secret well, so we never smelled the rat, while they laughed at us. But I don't care so long as you, Mr. Darrell, wasn't in it.”
“So says I,” added Miller.
“And I,” said Hughes, and they drove off, laughing.
Darrell remained standing on the front steps. He ground his teeth and clenched his fists as he heard the laughter from the wagon, which sounded louder as the wagon went further away. He walked to the stable and took a heavy whip, one of those which teamsters call “black snakes,” which are used to drive mules with. The old man trembled with suppressed anger, so much that he could not fasten on his spurs, and this only increased the more his senseless rage.
Everett was scarcely less angry or less pale. He was waiting for his father to start, to follow him. Webster came up-stairs and said to him: