You owned the property, as I supposed,
and that was sufficient. I had told my cousin that and meant to tell
you. I meant to tell you a portion of what I have just told the captain
here, but I--well, I didn't. Mr. Daniels' remarks irritated me and
I--well, he put the case as a test of legal skill between himself and
me, and--and I have my share of pride, I suppose. So I determined to
beat him if I could. It was wrong, as I see it now, and I beg your
pardon."
Thankful put a hand to her forehead.
"But you did--beat him, didn't you?" she stammered. "You found I didn't
own the land."
"Yes. I found I owned it myself, legally. If I had found it belonged to
anyone else, I--well, I scarcely know what I should have done. You see,"
with a half smile, "I'm trying to be perfectly frank. Finding that I was
the owner made it easy."
She did not understand. "It made it easy," she repeated slowly. "But you
gave it to ME!"
He leaned forward. "Please don't misunderstand me," he said earnestly.
"As I see it, that land belonged to you by all that is right and fair.
Legally, perhaps, it didn't, but legal honesty isn't always moral
honesty. I've found that out even in my limited practice."
Captain Obed tried to put in a word. "Don't you see, Thankful?" he said.
"John knew you thought you owned the land and so--"
"Hush! Please don't. I--I don't see. Mr. Kendrick, you--you have prided
yourself on bein' honest with your clients, and Mr. Holliday Kendrick
WAS your client.
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