Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 4, 2025
Mark did not wish to discuss that subject, for it was irksome to him at a time when he felt that he did not know whether the Darleys and he were enemies or friends, his thoughts going toward the former as being the more natural in connection with the past.
They rented two of the best rooms in the house, had awnings put up at the windows and wicker furniture sent on from Denver. Mr. Darley took frequent trips to neighboring towns. It was understood by the gossips at Batemans that he was a large Eastern capitalist, looking about for profitable mining investments. July, August and half of September passed, and still the Darleys remained.
"Yes," said Sir Morton, smiling, "a good opportunity, boy; but we might lose the day." "We will not lose the day, father," cried the lad hotly. "Those men who fight for pay are cowards at heart, and they will lead the Edens to their destruction." "But suppose that, after all, the Darleys were the ones to blame?" "Oh, father, we can't stop to think of that.
"Yes: I might make you my lackey, to wait upon me. That is what the Darleys should do for the Edens." "You coward!" said Ralph, with his pale face flushing now. "What!" cried Mark. "Oh yes, call names like a girl. Come: beg for your life." Ralph's answer was a fierce and scornful look, which told of what he would do if his hands were free. Then for a few moments he struggled, and Mark laughed.
Then, imitating Ralph's action of the last time they met, he pointed down to the river, and said, with a mocking laugh: "It's my turn now. The Darleys are not the only ones who know how to treat a fallen enemy. Your creel, sir; and you are welcome to our trout."
"No," he said directly; "the Darleys would not and could not join us even if I were willing; and I'm not." Old Master Rayburn's words went deeper into the breasts of the two lads than they knew.
But obstacles only spurred him on to action, and he cried to himself, petulantly: "Is it theirs? Who are they, to claim an open wild place like that? They'll be saying next that all Darbyshire belongs to them. It's as much ours as theirs, and, if we had our rights, it would be ours. I shall go, in spite of all the Darleys in the county. Who are they?
"Very well, Master Mark," said the boy, so meekly that his young master was touched, and said gently: "Look here, Dummy, can I trust you?" "I dunno, Master Mark. I'll do what you tell me." "That's right. Will you fight?" The boy's eyes flashed in the candle-light, down in the grim chamber were they stood. "Torches fight," he whispered. "Are you going to tackle the Darleys?" "No; the robbers."
"Don't say Master Mark's hurt!" "Hush! Quiet, boy!" said Master Rayburn quickly. "Help me to get him into his own room without frightening Miss Mary." "Yes; but what's the matter?" cried the boy. "Been attacked fighting slightly wounded." "But who done it? I know. It was them Darleys. Which of 'em was it?" "Quiet, I tell you, boy! Can't you see he has fainted? Why do you want to know?"
That's what father says. I s'pose it's through being so much in the mine." "I suppose so. But you don't mind?" "Mind, Master Mark? I like it. Wish you was at home more, though. I say " "Well?" "If ever you go to fight the Darleys, take me, Master Mark." "I shall not go to fight the Darleys, Dummy. They may come to fight us, and if they do, you shall come and help."
Word Of The Day
Others Looking