tavern loafer, but a man of
parts. Yes, he had a bit of a brain, when he was sober and of a mind to
use it."

One would scarcely have supposed that Archibald McBride, silent,
taciturn, money-loving, possessed the taste for scandal that North knew
he did possess. The old merchant continued garrulously.

"They are a bad lot, John, those Langhams, but it took the smartest one
of the whole tribe to get the better of me. I never told you that
before, did I? It was old Marshall himself, and he flattered me into
loaning him a matter of a hundred dollars once; I guess I have his note
somewhere yet. But I swore then I'd have no more dealings with any of
them, and I'm likely to keep my word as long as I keep my senses. It's
the little things that prick the skin; that make a man bitter. I suppose
the judge's boy has had his hand in your pocket? He looks like a man
who'd be free enough with another's purse."

But North shook his head.

"No, no, I have only myself to blame," he said.

"What do you hear of his wife? How's the marriage turning out?" and he
shot the young fellow a shrewd questioning glance.

"I know nothing about it," replied North, coloring slightly.

"She'll hardly be publishing to the world that she's married a drunken
profligate--"

This did not seem to North to call for an answer, and he attempted none.
He turned and moved toward the front of the store, followed by the old
merchant. At the door he paused.

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. McBride!"

"It was no kindness, just a matter of business" said McBride hastily.
"I'm no philanthropist, John, but just a plain man of business who'll
drive a close bargain if he can."

"At any rate, I'm going to thank you," insisted North, smiling
pleasantly. "Good-by," and he extended his hand, which the old merchant
took.

"Good-by, and good luck to you, John, and you might drop me a line now
and then just to say how you get on."

"I will. Good-by!"

"I know you'll succeed, John. A bit of application, a bit of necessity

The Just and the Unjust

Notka biograficzna

Książki