'
These were all points over which he and Mahaffy had wrangled, and
he felt that his friend, in seeking to keep him away from Belle
Plain, was standing squarely in his light. He really could not
understand Solomon or his objections. He pointed out that Norton
had probably left a will--no one knew yet--probably his estate
would go to his intended wife--what more likely? He understood
Norton had cousins somewhere in middle Tennessee--there was the
attractive possibility of extended litigation. Miss Malroy
needed a strong, clear brain to guide her past those difficulties
his agile fancy assembled in her path. He beamed on his friend
with a wide sunny smile.
"You mean she needs a lawyer, Price?" insinuated Mahaffy.
"That slap at me, Solomon, is unworthy of you. Just name some
one, will you, who has shown an interest comparable to mine? I
may say I have devoted my entire energy to her affairs, and with
disinterestedness. I have made myself felt. Will you mention
who else these cutthroats have tried to browbeat and frighten?
They know that my theories and conclusions are a menace to them!
I got 'em in a panic, sir--presently some fellow will lose his
nerve and light out for the tall timber--and it will be just
Judge Slocum Price who's done the trick--no one else!"
"Are you looking for some one to take a pot shot at you?"
inquired Mahaffy sourly.
"Your remark uncovers my fondest hope, Solomon--I'd give five
years of my life just to be shot at--that would round out the
episode of the letter nicely;" again the judge beamed on Mahaffy
with that wide and sunny smile of his.
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