No reply.
“What is it all about, anyhow?�
“I’m nearly through now, Red,� was the reply, this time. “Just a moment more.�
There was another interval of silence, and then Lynne laid aside the pen, picked up the paper upon which he had been writing, and pretended to read over what he had written with great care; and all the time Red Mike watched him with close attention.
Presently Lynne dropped the hand that held the paper at his side, and raised his eyes to the man who confronted him, for he had turned in his chair when he began to read over the contents of the paper.
“Well,� said Mike, “is it ready?�
“Yes. Shall I read it to you, or do you prefer to read it for yourself?�
“I reckon, maybe, if I’ve got to sign it, I’d better read it myself; eh?�
“As you please.�
“Suppose I won’t sign it after I have read it?�