"I don't see why," Agnew spoke in his calm way. "I never could
understand why a bloody nose wiped out an insult. A thing that's said
is said. Shooting a man even doesn't unsay a dirty speech. It's not
common sense. Why ruin your own life in the effort to punish a man for
something that's better forgotten?"
"So you would swallow an insult and smile?" sneered Harden.
"Not at all! I wouldn't hear the alleged insult, in most cases. But
if the thing was so raw that the man had to be punished, I'd really
hurt him."
"How?" asked Enoch.
"I'd do him a favor."
"Slush!" grunted Harden.
Agnew shrugged his shoulders and the scanty meal was finished in
silence. When Jonas had collected the pie tins and cups, Enoch said,
"While you're outside with those, Jonas, you'd better persuade
Forrester to come in to supper. Tell him no one will bother him.
Boys, I think we ought to sit up with Milton for a while. I'll take
the first watch, if you'll take the second, Harden."
Harden nodded. "I'll get to bed at once. Call me when you want me."
He rolled himself in his blanket, Agnew following his example. A
moment or so later Jonas could be heard calling,
"Mr. Forrester! Ohee! Mr. Forrester!" The Canyon echoed the call,
but there was no answer, Enoch strolled down to the river's edge where
Jonas was standing with his arms full of dishes.
Pages:
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334