This long-limbedtenderfoot was a hard nut to crack.
Adams next change of emotion was from fright to a sense of foolishnessat his
standing there.
Wal, I dont know much, replied the old watchman,
scratching his head. Adam tried not to look at anyof the women while they looked at
him.
Margarita, what is the name of this beautiful tree?
Its a matter of thet little gamblin debt you owe Guerd, he replied,in a low
voice.
Something had happened in the night and he
wouldnever be the same again. Collishaw drew Adam aside out of earshot of the other
men. His was a striking figure, picturesque, commanding, buthis face was
repellent.
The dusky eyes shone with avastly different light
from the lurid hate of a few hours back.
Adam, gay and teasing, yet kindly and tactfully,
tried to find a way toresist her. Then the obtruding foliageon the bank hid the boat
and the girl was gone. Idle men loungedin front of the stone house, which Merryvale
said was the store. Son, jest he careful what yousay to Collishaw. Nevertheless,he
took good care not to awaken her other characteristics.
For years his love had fought against the gradual
truth ofGuerds hate.
His first sight of a wild frontier gambling helldid
not thrill him. Ill fool him, said Adam, resolutely, as he got up to
return.
When he had fought down the mawkishsentiment he
would show Guerd and Collishaw what he was made of.
A man must pass in this country for what he was.
And with this brusque promise themanager strode away in a hurry.
The walk was long and, byreason of the heavy,
dragging sand, one of considerable labour. I know him, Merryvale, and youre betting
right, replied Adam,forcefully.
What a strange, graceful tree and what deep-blue
blossoms itbore! Adam wasin full possession of his faculties when he reached the
village. ButArallanes backed down, as any man not crazy would have
done.
He had not fortified himself at all, nor had
hesurrendered himself to recklessness. The sheriff appeared, approaching with
several companions, and haltedbefore the store.
But Adam refused, and meant toavoid drinking as
long as he could.
Idle men loungedin front of the stone house, which
Merryvale said was the store.
He drank a sweet cup that held one drop of
poisonbitterness.
The walk was long and, byreason of the heavy,
dragging sand, one of considerable labour. But Adam refused, and meant toavoid
drinking as long as he could.
That was Guerds motive, with an added possibility
of further desire todominate and hound.
Wouldnt Guerd rave over a girl
likeMargarita?
What fiendish glee this predicamentof his would
have aroused in his brother Guerd! That was how Adam translated her swift, eloquent
words. A break occurred in the machinery anda small but invaluable part could not be
repaired. So thats it, ejaculated Adam, and he whistled his surprise.