I reckon
they'd never heard such an exposition of fundamental principles;
I showed 'em the germ and I showed 'em fruition. Damn it, sir,
they were overwhelmed by the array of facts I marshaled for 'em.
They said they'd never met with such erudition--no more they had,
for I boiled down thirty years of study into ten minutes of talk!
I flogged 'em with facts, and then we drank--" The judge smacked
his lips. "It is this free-handed hospitality I like; it's this
that gives life its gala aspect."
He forgot former experiences; but without this kindly refusal of
memory to perform its wonted functions, the world would have been
a chill place indeed for Slocum Price. But Mahaffy, keen and
anxious, with doubt in every glass he drained, a lurking devil to
grin at him above the rim, could see only the end of their brief
hour of welcome. This made the present moment as bitter as the
last.
"I have a theory, Solomon, that I shall be handsomely supported
by my new friends. They'll snatch at the opportunity."
"I see 'em snatching, Mr. Price," said Mahaffy grimly.
"That's right--go on and plant doubt in my heart if you can!
You're as hopeless as the grave side!" cried the judge, a spasm
of rage shaking him.
"The thing for us to do--you and I, Price--is to clear out of
here," said Mahaffy,
"But what of the boy?"
"Leave him with his friends."
"How do you know Miss Malroy would be willing to assume his care?
It's scandalous the way you leap at conclusions.
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