E. Holliday had money and influence and, as a business man, his
attorney would be a fool not to stick by the cash-box. But there were
others, and these leading citizens and hitherto good friends, who openly
expressed disgust both with the rich man and his lawyer. Several of
these citizens called upon Thankful to tell her of their sympathy and of
their wish to help her in any way.
"Not that you're liable to need help," said one caller. "This property's
yours and even John D. himself couldn't get it from you unless you were
willin'. But it's a dirty trick just the same and young Kendrick, that
all hands thought was so straight and honest, takin' part in it is the
dirtiest thing in it. Well, he's hurt himself more'n he has anybody
else."
Captain Obed Bangs was a gloomy man that fall. He had always liked John
and the liking had grown to an ardent admiration and affection. He made
several attempts to speak with the young man on the subject, but the
latter would not discuss it. He was always glad to see the captain and
quite willing to talk of anything but Mrs. Barnes' property and of Emily
Howes. These topics were taboo and Captain Obed soon ceased to mention
them. Also he no longer made daily calls at the ex-barber-shop and,
in spite of himself, could not help showing, when he did call, the
resentment he felt. John noticed this and there was a growing coldness
between the two.
"But," declared the captain, stoutly, when he and Thankful were
together, "I still say 'tain't so.
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