“But suppose,” she persisted, “that the real builder of the road should prove to be Bryce Cardigan, after all. What would you do?”
Colonel Pennington's eyes twinkled. “I greatly fear, my dear, I should make a noise like something doing.”
“Suppose you lost the battle.”
“In that event the Laguna Grande Lumber Company wouldn't be any worse off than it is at present. The principal loser, as I view the situation, would be Miss Shirley Sumner, who has the misfortune to be loaded up with Cardigan bonds. And as for Bryce Cardigan—well, that young man would certainly know he'd been through a fight.”
“I wonder if he'll fight to the last, Uncle Seth.”
“Why, I believe he will,” Pennington replied soberly.
“I'd love to see you beat him.”
“Shirley! Why, my dear, you're growing ferocious.” Her uncle's tones were laden with banter, but his countenance could not conceal the pleasure her last remark had given him.
“Why not? I have something at stake, have I not?”
“Then you really want me to smash him?” The Colonel's voice proclaimed his incredulity.