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McMurdo laughed bitterly. Good Lord! how little you know of me! Your innocent soul, my darling, could not even guess what is passing in mine. But, hullo, whos the visitor? The door had opened suddenly, and a young fellow came swaggering in with the air of one who is the master. He was a handsome, dashing young man of about the same age and build as McMurdo himself. Under his broad-brimmed black felt hat, which he had not troubled to remove, a handsome face with fierce, domineering eyes and a curved hawk-bill of a nose looked savagely at the pair who sat by the stove. Ettie had jumped to her feet full of confusion and alarm. Im glad to see you, Mr. Baldwin, said she. Youre earlier than I had thought. Come and sit down. Baldwin stood with his hands on his hips looking at McMurdo. Who is this? he asked curtly. Its a friend of mine, Mr. Baldwin, a new boarder here. Mr. McMurdo, may I introduce you to Mr. Baldwin? The young men nodded in surly fashion to each other. Maybe Miss Ettie has told you how it is with us? said Baldwin. I didnt understand that there was any relation between you. Didnt you? Well, you can understand it now. You can take it from me that this young lady is mine, and youll find it a very fine evening for a walk. Thank you, I am in no humour for a walk. Arent you? The mans savage eyes were blazing with anger. Maybe you are in a humour for a fight, Mr. Boarder! That I am! cried McMurdo, springing to his feet. You never said a more welcome word. For Gods sake, Jack! Oh, for Gods sake! cried poor, distracted Ettie. Oh, Jack, Jack, he will hurt you! Oh, its Jack, is it? said Baldwin with an oath. Youve come to that already, have you? Oh, Ted, be reasonablebe kind! For my sake, Ted, if ever you loved me, be big-hearted and forgiving! I think, Ettie, that if you were to leave us alone we could get this thing settled, said McMurdo quietly. Or maybe, Mr. Baldwin, you will take a turn down the street with me. Its a fine evening, and theres some open ground beyond the next block. Ill get even with you without needing to dirty my hands, said his enemy. Youll wish you had never set foot in this house before I am through with you! No time like the present, cried McMurdo. Ill choose my own time, mister. You can leave the time to me. See here! He suddenly rolled up his sleeve and showed upon his forearm a peculiar sign which appeared to have been branded there. It was a circle with a triangle within it. Dyou know what that means? I neither know nor care! Well, you will know, Ill promise you that. You wont be much older, either. Perhaps Miss Ettie can tell you something about it. As to you, Ettie, youll come back to me on your kneesdye hear, girl? on your kneesand then Ill tell you what your punishment may be. Youve sowedand by the Lord, Ill |
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