Robert Vane, the engine which had been selected by fate for the undoing of the Danglers, did not permit pity for the men who had plotted his death to halt his activities. The obstacles to his inspection of old Luke’s stables having been removed with the removal of the old breeder, Vane went ahead in that matter, advised by Jard. They did business with an elderly spinster, a daughter of Luke’s, who had the old ruffian’s power-of-attorney, but none of his pride in, and jealousy of, the horses of the ancient strain. They found several bays with white legs among the fast ones, and selected a colt going on three, after a searching examination. The price was four hundred dollars, which Vane paid with banknotes.
“An’ what about the pedigree?” asked Jard. “The old man kept a stud-book, for I’ve seen it.”
“He took it away with him,” said Miss Dangler. “If you want that colt’s pedigree you gotter go to jail for it.” She scowled at Vane defiantly, then turned suddenly and burst into tears.
Vane was sorry for her, but he couldn’t think of a word of comfort to say to her. He was embarrassed. He looked to Jard for help.
“Now don’t take on about that,” said Jard in a soothing voice. “There’s worse places than jail, Miss Nancy, an’ there’s been better men in jail than Luke Dangler.”
For some reason which was not clear to Vane, these words quieted the woman. She dried her eyes with the back of a large hand.
“I reckon ye’re right, Jard Hassock,” she said.
“If the colt turns out half as well as I expect him to, he’s worth more than four hundred,” said Vane; and, before Jard could stop his hand, he slipped another bill to her.
“Maybe he’ll show you the book,” she said, yet more softened. “But what’s the use of a pedigree, young man? Why d’you want somethin’ with a colt you don’t ask for with a human? They tell me you be lookin’ to marry Joe Hinch—my own niece, an’ own blood granddaughter to old Luke Dangler an’ old Dave Hinch! Now what kinder pedigree d’ye call that, mister?”
“She hasn’t asked for mine, and I don’t give a damn if all her grandparents are devils!” exclaimed Vane. “I know her—and she’s what I want!”