Edward had of course no idea of these abnormal processes going on in his brother's mind. He was holding out the bills. “Get yourself some decent things,” he said. “I hope you don't have to stay dirty in order to feel democratic?”
“No,” answered Hal; and then, “How are we going?”
“I've a car waiting, back of the office.”
“So you had everything ready!” But Edward made no answer; afraid of setting off the volcano again.
SECTION 18.
They went out by the rear door of the office, entered the car, and sped out of the village, unseen by the crowd. And all the way down the canyon Edward pleaded with Hal to drop the controversy and come home at once. He brought up the tragic question of Dad again; when that did not avail, he began to threaten. Suppose Hal's money-resources were to be cut off, suppose he were to find himself left out of his father's will—what would he do then? Hal answered, without a smile, “I can always get a job as organiser for the United Mine-Workers.”
So Edward gave up that line of attack. “If you won't come,” he declared, “I'm going to stay by you till you do!”
“All right,” said Hal. He could not help smiling at this dire threat. “But if I take you about and introduce you to my friends, you must agree that what you hear shall be confidential.”
The other made a face of disgust. “What the devil would I want to talk about your friends for?”
“I don't know what might happen,” said Hal. “You're going to meet Peter Harrigan and take his side, and I can't tell what you might conceive it your duty to do.”