There was a pause. Phil was biting his lip, scowling at Slim. Slim was sneering in return. It seemed that she had failed. Even if she forced Phil to return the money, he and Slim would hate each other as long as they lived. And Terry gained a keen impression that if the hatred continued, one of them would die very soon indeed. Her solution of the problem was a strange one. She faced them both.
"You two big sulky babies!" she exclaimed. "Slim, what did Phil do for you down in Tecomo? Phil, did Slim stand by you last April—you know the time? Why, boys, you're just being plain foolish. Get up, both of you, and take a walk outside where you'll get cooled down."
Slim rose. He and Phil walked slowly toward the door, at a little distance from each other, one eyeing the other shrewdly. At the door they hesitated. Finally, Phil lurched forward and went out first. Slim glided after.
"By heaven!" groaned Pollard as the door closed. "There goes two good men! Kate, what put this last fool idea into your head?"
She did not answer for a moment, but dropped into a chair as though suddenly exhausted.
"It'll work out," she said at length. "You wait for it!"
"Well," grumbled her father, "the mischief is working. Run along to bed, will you?"
She rose, wearily, and started across the room. But she turned before she passed out of their sight and leaned against one of the pillars.
"Dad, why you so anxious to get me out of the way?"
"What d'you mean by that? I got no reason. Run along and don't bother me!"