Neither did--others. But I did accept
because--well, because. Now the complications are here, and what then?"
"John--John Kendrick, if you dast to set there and tell me you're
cal'latin' to--you can't do it! You can't be goin' to try such a--"
"Oh, yes, I can. I may not succeed, but I can try."
Captain Obed seldom lost his temper, but he lost it now.
"By the everlastin'!" he roared. "And this is the young feller that I've
been holdin' up and backin' up as all that's fair and above board! John
Kendrick, do you realize--"
"Easy, Captain, easy. Perhaps I realize what I'm doing better than you
do."
"You don't neither. Emily Howes--"
John's interruption was sharper now.
"That'll do, Bangs," he said. "Suppose we omit names."
"No, we won't omit 'em. I tell you you don't realize. You're drivin'
that girl right straight to Heman Daniels, that's what you're doin'."
Kendrick smiled. "I should say there was no driving necessary," he
observed. "Daniels seems to be already the chosen guardian and adviser.
I do realize what I'm doing, Captain, and," deliberately, "I shall do
it."
"John, Emily--"
"Hush! I like you, Captain Obed. I don't wish to quarrel with you. Take
my advice and omit that young lady's name."
Captain Obed made one last appeal.
"John," he pleaded, desperately, "don't! I know you're sort of--sort
of tied up to Holliday Kendrick; I know you feel that you are. But this
ain't a question of professional honor and that kind of stuff.
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