“Yes, I did,” replied the wife, stubbornly. “Why not? Jen's in love with him. If he takes her away and marries her she can be a decent woman.”
Bland kept silent a moment, then his laugh pealed out loud and harsh.
“Chess, did you get that? Well, by God! what do you think of my wife?”
“She's lyin' or she's crazy,” replied Alloway, and his voice carried an unpleasant ring.
Mrs. Bland promptly and indignantly told her husband's lieutenant to keep his mouth shut.
“Ho, ho, ho!” rolled out Bland's laugh.
Then he led the way to the porch, his spurs clinking, the weapons he was carrying rattling, and he flopped down on a bench.
“How are you, boss?” asked Euchre.
“Hello, old man. I'm well, but all in.”
Alloway slowly walked on to the porch and leaned against the rail. He answered Euchre's greeting with a nod. Then he stood there a dark, silent figure.