“Yes,” said Austen.
“Just because you won a suit against the Northeastern, and nearly killed a man out West, Tom seems to think you can do anything. He wouldn't, give me any peace until I let him send for you,” Mr. Gaylord remarked testily. “Now you're down here, what have you got to propose?”
“I didn't come here to propose anything, Mr. Gaylord,” said Austen.
“What!” cried Mr. Gaylord, with one of his customary and forceful exclamations. “What'd you come down for?”
“I've been asking myself that question ever since I came, Mr. Gaylord,” said Austen, “and I haven't yet arrived at any conclusion.”
Young Tom looked at his friend and laughed, and Mr. Gaylord, who at first gave every indication of being about to explode with anger, suddenly emitted a dry cackle.
“You ain't a d-n fool, anyway,” he declared.
“I'm beginning to think I am,” said Austen.
“Then you've got sense enough to know it,” retorted old Tom. “Most of 'em haven't.” And his glance, as it fell upon the younger man, was almost approving. Young Tom's was distinctly so.
“I told you Austen was the only lawyer who'd talk common sense to you,” he said.