"
Dane grinned. "Well," he said, "the Colonel can be nasty, and he has
no great reason for being fond of you already."
"No?" said Winston. "Now, of course, my accession will make a
difference at Silverdale, but I would consider it a friendly act if you
will let me know the views of the colony."
Dane looked thoughtful. "The trouble is that your taking up the land
leaves less for Maud Barrington than there would have been.
Barrington, who is fond of the girl, was trustee for the property, and
after your--estrangement from your father--everybody expected she would
get it all."
"So I have deprived Miss Barrington of part of her income?"
"Of course," said Dane. "Didn't you know?"
Winston found it difficult to answer. "I never quite realized it
before. Are there more accounts against me?"
"That," said Dane slowly, "is rather a facer. We are all more or less
friends of the dominant family, you see."
Winston laid down his cigar and stood up. "Now," he said, "I generally
talk straight, and you have held out a hand to me. Can you believe in
the apparent improbability of such a man as I am in the opinion of the
folks at Silverdale getting tired of a wasted life and trying to walk
straight again? I want your answer, yes or no, before I head across
the prairie for my own place."
"Sit down," said Dane with a little smile. "Do you think I would have
brought you here if I hadn't believed it? And, if I have my way, the
first man who flings a stone will be sorry for it.
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