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But the selfishness of human nature demanded that advantage should be taken of the situation. If Minky, who recently had jibbed at trading gold, had suddenly eased the market, well, it was "up to him." It was his "funeral." The public jumped at the chance of realizing, and so relieving themselves of the cloud of trouble threatening them.
Y'see, they told me the rights of it, but but ther's so many things I I don't seem to got room for them all in my head. It seems, too, that Bill had quite a piece of money. An' he's kind of given it to the kids. I I don't " "How much?" demanded the practical feminine. "Seventy thousand dollars," replied the bewildered man. "Seventy thou Who told you?" "Why Minky. Said he'd got it all.
"You mean?" There was interest enough in Bill now. His interrogation was full of suppressed force. "Yes. James." Bill sprang to his feet and kicked back his chair. The sudden rage in his eyes was startling, even to Minky, who was used to the man. However, he waited, and in a moment or two his friend was talking again in his usually cold tone.
It was perhaps a much further-sighted policy than one would suppose. Several men had endeavored to start in the store business in opposition to him, but in each case their enterprise had proved an utter failure. Not a man in the place would trade elsewhere. Minky was just "Minky," whom they liked and trusted. And, what was much more to the point, who was ever ready to "trust" them.
Quarrels and bickerings occurred, which kept the place at fever-heat until the store closed down for the night and the supply of liquor was cut off. Then slumber brought its beneficent opiate to distracted nerves. Throughout it all Minky kept his head level. Whatever he felt and thought, he had nothing to offer on the altar of public suggestion.
You'll jest ast Minky fer all you need, an' I pay. An' you'll see things is fixed right for 'em." Sunny lurched reluctantly to his feet. He knew the gambler far too well to debate the point further. He had made his protest, which had been utterly ineffective, so there was nothing left him but to obey the fiercely uttered mandate.
Tell 'em the stage is sure carryin' sixty thousand dollars' worth o' good red gold." Then his manner suddenly changed and he laughed. "Say, I'm jest goin' out to get a peek at my claim. I sure guess I bought a dandy rich claim o' Zip." "You orter know," said Minky, with a shake of the head. "I sure don't seem to understand " "Course you don't," cried Bill, with strange good-nature.
An' if ther's fi' cents' worth o' grit in you, Mister Sandy Joyce, an' an atom o' savvee in your fool brain, Toby, you'll take a hand in the game." Minky looked on in silent approval. Anything directed against James was bound to meet with his approval just now. But Sandy cleared his throat, and lounged with his back against the counter.
Didn't care a hang what anybody thought of her." "So they said poor Charlotte was mad." "She was only mad because she didn't get it." "Yes, Minx.... Would poor Minky like to be married?" "No. I'm not thinking about that. I'd like to write poems. And to get away sometimes and see places. To get away from Mamma." "You little beast." "Not more beast than you. You got away. Altogether.
He listened almost without comment, which was unusual in him. His manner displayed no heat. He was cold, critical, and his only words were to ask sharp and definitely pointed questions. Then, having given Minky instructions for the safeguarding of the children, he departed without even mentioning his own adventure down at the river.
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