Grant smiled broadly at Roderick as he asked the question.
“Search me,” replied Roderick. “I have never spoken to her excepting in the presence of other people.”
“I presume you know,” Grant went on, “that she is the object of Carlisle’s affections and he gets awfully jealous if anyone pays court to her?”
“And who’s Carlisle?” asked Roderick, looking up quickly.
“Oh, he is the great lawyer,” replied Grant “W. Henry Carlisle. Have you never heard of the feud between Carlisle and Attorney Bragdon?”
“No,” said Roderick. “Both names are new to me.”
“Oh, I supposed everybody knew about their forensic battles. You see, W. Henry Carlisle is the attorney for the Smelter and Ben Bragdon is without doubt the most eloquent young lawyer that ever stood before a jury in southern Wyoming. These two fellows are usually against each other in all big lawsuits in these parts of the country, and you should see the courthouse fill up when there is a jury trial.”
Roderick did not seem especially interested, and throwing his cigar stub into the open fire, he filled his pipe. “Now, I’ll have a real smoke,” he observed as he pressed a glowing firestick from the hearth down on the tobacco.
“Grady and Carlisle are together in all financial ventures,” Grant continued.
“Don’t look as if you are very fond of this man Grady,” commented Roderick.