Hamlin was laid on
his shoulder.
"I told you," said Jack blandly, "that I had plenty of time. I would
have been here BEFORE and even overtaken you, only you had the better
horse and the only saddle."
Van Loo recoiled. But he was now desperate and reckless. Beckoning Jack
out of earshot of the other passengers, he said with tightened lips,
"Why do you follow me? What is your purpose in coming here?"
"I thought," said Hamlin dryly, "that I was to have the pleasure of
getting satisfaction from you for the insult you gave me."
"Well, and if I apologize for it, what then?" he said quickly.
Hamlin looked at him quietly. "Well, I think I also said something about
the lady being the wife of a friend of mine."
"And I have left her BEHIND. Her husband can take her back without
disgrace, for no one knows of her flight but you and me. Do you think
your shooting me will save her? It will spread the scandal far and wide.
For I warn you, that as I have apologized for what you choose to call my
personal insult, unless you murder me in cold blood without witness, I
shall let them know the REASON of your quarrel. And I can tell you more:
if you only succeed in STOPPING me here, and make me lose my chance of
getting away, the scandal to your friend will be greater still."
Mr. Hamlin looked at Van Loo curiously. There was a certain amount
of conviction in what he said.
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