Nash bit his lip, and for the first time looked at Lenore without thinking of himself. And surprise dawned in his eyes.
"Yes, Glidden. You saw him speak to me up in the Bend, the first time your father went to see Dorn's wheat. Glidden's playing the I.W.W. against itself. He means to drop out of this deal with big money.…Now I'll save your father if you'll stick to me."
Lenore could no longer restrain herself. This man was not even big in his wickedness. Lenore divined that his later words held no truth.
"Mr. Ruenke, you are a detestable coward," she said, with quivering scorn. "I let you imagine—Oh! I can't speak it!… You—you—"
"God! You fooled me!" he ejaculated, his jaw falling in utter amaze.
"You were contemptibly easy. You'd better jump out of this car and run. My father will shoot you."
"You deceitful—cat!" he cried, haltingly, as anger overcame his astonishment. "I'll—"
Anderson's big bulk loomed up behind Nash. Lenore gasped as she saw her father, for his eyes were upon her and he had recognized events.
"Say, Mister Ruenke, the postmaster says you get letters here under different names," said Anderson, bluntly.
"Yes—I—I—get them—for a friend," stammered the driver, as his face turned white.