Denton hesitated as though he wanted to stay and argue the matter further, but Harrison caught him fiercely by the arm and fairly pulled him outside.
When the two men were gone, Deacon Blackford sat in the now dim office, for dusk was falling. The grain dealer sat still for about a minute. Then he said, aloud:
“Well, I’m well rid of those rascals. I’m glad I stood out firm against them, or they’d have made me lose more money. No, indeed, I’ll not give up those papers, and I won’t sink any more of my hard-earned cash in their investment schemes. I’m glad I’m through with them, even if I do lose what I put into their business. Yes, indeed! And I’m glad this talk is over.”
The deacon locked his desk, and prepared to leave. He had come down to his place of business at this unusual hour, when all his employees were gone, on purpose to be alone with the two men to whom he had granted an interview.
“Yes, I’m glad it’s over,” he said again. “Now I can give my mind over to dealing with Joe. That boy is certainly a trial to me! It’s the bad blood of his foolish parents cropping out, I suppose. I almost wish I had not adopted him, but I thought he would outgrow the circus and magician instincts. But they are coming out, in spite of all we have done. And to think of burning his suit just to rescue one of those good-for-nothing sleight-of-hand performers!”
The deacon shook his head, walked slowly from his office, and, after locking the door, started down the street in the direction of his home.
“Yes, I really must punish Joe,” he murmured. “He needs a severe lesson.”
“You’re late, Amos,” said Mrs. Blackford, as her husband came in to supper. “You’re very late. The victuals are all spoiled, but it’s a pity to cook anything else.”
“Oh, yes, don’t throw ’em away,” said the old man quickly. “We can’t afford to waste anything. I don’t mind if the potatoes are dried up. I can eat ’em. I haven’t much appetite, anyhow.”
The interview with the two rascals had upset the deacon more than he thought. He sat heavily down in his place at the table, while his wife began to serve the meal.