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It was a fairly large wooden building standing at the opposite end of the open space which answered the purpose of a market-place, and facing Lablache's store. Inside, it was gloomy, and the air invariably reeked of stale tobacco and drink. The bar was large, and at one end stood a piano kept for the purpose of "sing-songs" nightly occurrences when the execrable whisky had done its work.
"And on the day that sees Lablache's downfall, Bill, I will become your wife." There was a pause. Then Bill drew her towards him and they sealed the compact with one long embrace. They were roused to the matters of the moment by another whinny from Golden Eagle, who was chafing at his forced imprisonment.
For surely he could have found no other vulnerable spot in the great man's composition. The first shock of the trooper's news began to pass. Lablache's mind began to balance itself again. Such a state of nerves as was his could not last and the man remain sane. Possibly the thought that he was still a rich man came to his aid.
The first rough storm of Lablache's passion had passed. He was "yanking" himself up to the proper attitude for the business in hand. Although he had calmed considerably his lashless eyes gleamed viciously, and his flabby face wore an expression which boded ill for the object of his rage, should that unfortunate ever come within the range of his power.
"Not if backed by a man like Retief and all the half-breed camp? You surprise me." Horrocks gritted his teeth but spoke sharply. Lablache's supercilious tone of mockery drove him to the verge of madness. "Not even under these circumstances. I shall attend that pusky and effect the arrest. I understand these people better than you give me credit for.
Her presence, a good breakfast, and occupation might have given him strength to carry out the rejection of Lablache's challenge which his remorse suggested. However, none of these things were at hand, and John Allandale set out, from force of habit, to get his morning "Collins" down at "old man" Smith's. Something to pull him together before he encountered his niece, he told himself.
Jacky's task now became a simple one. A mere matter of pumping. Sharp questions and rambling replies. Bit by bit she learned the story of Lablache's proposal and the manner in which an acceptance had been forced upon her uncle. She did not relinquish her task until the minutest detail had been gleaned. At last she was satisfied with her cross-examination.
A representative of Lablache's was there to purchase stock, and Bill knew it, and his interest was centered on this would-be purchaser. The stock was the last thing to come under the hammer. There were twenty lots. Of these Lablache's representative purchased fifteen three-quarters of the stock of the entire ranch.
He was thinking rapidly. To say that he was chagrined would hardly convey his feelings. He had been done outwitted and he knew it. Done like the veriest tenderfoot. He, an officer of wide experience and of considerable reputation. And worst of all he remembered Lablache's warning.
An' as for uncle; say, the day that sees him ruined'll see Lablache's filthy brains spoiling God's pure air." "Child, child," replied the old lady, in alarm, "don't take oaths, the rashness the folly of which you cannot comprehend. For goodness' sake don't entertain such wicked thoughts. Lablache is a villain, but "
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