“But, say—I didn’t cheat,” remonstrated Guerd, evidently making a last stand of argument to gain his end.
“You lie!” flashed Adam. “You know it. I know it.... Guerd, let’s waste no words. I told you at Ehrenberg—after you played that shabby trick on me—over the girl there—I told you I was through with you for good.”
Guerd seemed to realize with wonder and chagrin that he had now to deal with a man. How the change in his expression thrilled Adam! What relief came to him in the consciousness that he was now stronger than Guerd! He had never been certain of that.
“Through and be damned!” exclaimed Guerd, and he took his arm from around Margarita and rose from his leaning posture to his lofty height. “I’m sick of your milksop ideas. All I want of you is that money. If you don’t pony up with it I’ll tear your clothes off gettin’ it. Savvy that?”
“Ha-ha!” laughed Adam, tauntingly. “I say to you what I said to Collishaw—you will, like hell!”
Guerd Larey’s lips framed curses that were inaudible. He was astounded. The red flamed his neck and face.
“I’ll meet you after I get through talking to this girl,” he said.
“Any time you want,” rejoined Adam, bitingly, “but I’ll have my say now, once and for all.... The worm has turned, Guerd Larey. Your goose has stopped laying golden eggs. I will take no more burdens of yours on my shoulders. You’ve bullied me all my life. You’ve hated me. I know now. Oh, I remember so well! You robbed me of toys, clothes, playmates. Then girl friends! Then money!... Then—a worthless woman!... You’re a fraud—a cheat—a liar.... You’ve fallen in with your kind out here and you’re going straight to hell.”
The whiteness of Guerd’s face attested to his roused passion. But he had more restraint than Adam. He was older, and the difference of age between them showed markedly.
“So you followed me out here to say all that?” he queried.