CHAPTER XIII
SLOSSON SNATCHES AT OPPORTUNITY
Gordon had taken David Slosson's measure perfectly, notwithstanding hisown comparative inexperience of the world. Apart from the agent'sbusiness methods, he had seen through the man himself with regard toHazel. Hence, now his most serious alarm. The memory of thoselascivious eyes gazing after Hazel in the Main Street of Snake's Fall,on his first day in the town, had never left him, and though he hadlistened to Hazel's positive assurance of her own safety in dealingwith the man a subtle fear had continually haunted him. This was quiteapart from his own jealous feelings. It was utterly unprejudiced bythem. He knew that sooner or later, unless a miracle happened, Hazelwould become the victim of insult. Deep down in his heart, somewhere,far underneath his passionate jealousy, he knew that Hazel was onlyencouraging Slosson that she might help on their common ends, but hehad always doubted her cleverness to carry such a matter throughsuccessfully. To his mind there could only be one end to it all, andthat end--insult.
Now the thing was almost a certainty. With Slosson in his present moodanything might happen. So he pressed Sunset to a rattling gallop. IfSlosson insulted her----? But he was not in the mood to think--only toact.
That his fears were well enough founded was pretty obvious. DavidSlosson, as he hurried away from Mallinsbee's office, knew that he hadplayed the game of his own advantage and--lost. This sort of thing hadnot often happened, and on those rare occasions on which it hadhappened he had so contrived that those who had caused him a reversepaid fairly dearly in the end. He was one of those men who believedthat if a man only squeezed hard enough blood could be contrived from astone. Against every successful offensive of the enemy there wasnearly always a way of "getting back."
That he could "get back" on the commercial side of the present affairhe possessed not the smallest doubt. He would "recommend" to hiscompany that the present depot at Snake's Fall, with certainenlargements, and the private line to be built by the Bude and SideleyCoal people, were all that was sufficient to serve the public, and,through his judicious purchase of sites in the old township, a far moreprofitable enterprise for them than the new township could offer.Personally, he would have to sacrifice his own interests. But sinceMallinsbee and his cub of an office boy would be badly "stung," thematter would not be without satisfaction to his revengeful nature.Then there was that other matter--and he moistened his thin lips as hecontemplated it.
In spite of all Gordon's lack of faith in Hazel's efforts, they had notbeen without effect. Slosson had been flattered. His vanity had seenconquest in Hazel's readiness to accept his company. It had beenobvious to him from the first that the manner in which he had displayedhis "nerve" before her at the ranch pleased her more than a little.After all, she was a mere country girl--a "rube" girl.
Nor was it likely that she would be difficult now. She was pretty,pretty as a picture. Her figure appealed to his sensual nature. Shedidn't know a thing--outside her ranch. Well, he could teach her.Especially now. Oh, yes, it was all very opportune. He would teachher all he knew. He laughed. He would teach her for--her father'ssake. And--yes, for the sake of that young cub of a man that hadordered him out of the office.
What was his name--"Van Henslaer"? Yes, that was it. A "square-head,"he supposed. The country was full of these American-speaking German"square-heads." Then quite suddenly he began to laugh. For the firsttime since he came to Snake's Fall the thought occurred to him thatpossibly this fellow was in love with Hazel himself. He had been sobusy prosecuting his own attentions to her himself that he had neverconsidered the possibility of another man being in the running. Thethought inspired an even more pleasant sensation. It threw a new lightupon Van Henslaer's attitude. Well, there was not much doubt as to whowas the favored man. The fellow's very attitude suggested his failure.
Slosson felt he was going to reap better than had seemed at first. Hewould ruin Mallinsbee's schemes and satisfy his company at a slightpersonal loss to himself. He would complete his triumph over theindividual in Mallinsbee's office. First of all, through Mallinsbee'sfailure in the land scheme, by robbing him of a position, and secondly,through robbing him of all chance of success with the girl. It was nottoo bad a retort. He would have made it harsher if he could, but, fora start, it would have to do. Later, of course, since he would see agreat deal of Snake's Fall and his power in the place would increase,he would extend operations against his enemies.
Hazel must be his--his entirely. To that he had made up his mind. Shewas much too desirable to be "running loose," he told himself.Marriage was out of the question, unless he wished to commit bigamy; apleasantry at which he laughed silently. Anyway, if it were possible,it would not have suited him. Marriage would have robbed him of theright to break up her father's land scheme. No, marriage was----Well, he was married--to his lasting regret.
Hazel was very attractive; very. He could quite understand a manmaking a fool of himself over her. He had once made a fool of himself,and in consequence marriage was very cheap from his point of view. Heregarded women now as lawful prey. And apart from Hazel'sattractiveness, which was very, very seductive, it would be a prettypiece of getting back on her father and that other. He laughed again.It was quaint. The prettier a woman the greater the fool she was.
So he rode on towards the coalpits.
His narrow eyes were alert, watching the horizon on every side. He waslooking for that fawn-colored figure on its brown mare. His thoughtswere full of it now. The rest was all thrust into the background,leaving full play to his desires, which were fast overwhelming allcaution. It would have been impossible to overwhelm his sense ofdecency.
Suddenly it occurred to him that it was ridiculous that he should go onto the coalpits. His eagerness was swaying him. His mad longing forthe girl swept everything before it. Why should he not cut across tothe westward and intercept her on the way from the ranch? She mustcome that way, and--he could not possibly miss her.
He looked at his watch. It wanted half an hour to their appointment.Why, he would be at the pits in ten minutes, which would leave him afull twenty minutes of waiting.
In his mood of the moment it was a thought quite impossible. So heswung his horse westwards, with his eyes even more watchful for theapproach of the figure he was seeking.
Perhaps Hazel was late. Perhaps Slosson was traveling faster than heknew. Anyway, he was already in the shadow of the bigger hills when hediscovered the speeding brown mare with its dainty burden. Hazeldiscovered him almost at the same instant, and reined in her horse tolet him come up. In a moment or two his roughly familiar greetingjarred her ears.
"Hello!" he cried. "There never was a woman who could keep time wortha cent. I guessed you'd strayed some, so I got along quick."
He had reined up facing her on the cattle track, and his sensual eyescovertly surveyed her from head to foot.
"Why, you haven't been near the pits," protested Hazel, avoiding hisgaze. "You've come across country. Anyway, it's not time yet." Shepulled off a gauntlet and held up her wrist for him to look at thewatch upon it.
He reached out, caught her hand, and drew it towards him on thepretense of looking at the watch. His eyes were shining dangerously ashe did so. Just for an instant Hazel was taken unawares. Then herpretty eyes suddenly lost their smile, and she drew her hand sharplyaway.
Slosson looked up.
"Your watch is wrong," he declared, with a grin intended to befacetious, but which scarcely disguised the feelings lying behind it.
Hazel was smiling again. She shook her head.
"It isn't," she denied. "But come on, or we'll miss the fun. I've gota youngster there in the corrals, never been saddled or man-handled.I'm going to ride him for your edification when the boys are throughwith the others. It's a mark of my favor which you must dulyappreciate."
She led the way back towards the hills at a steady canter.
"Say, you've got nerve," cried Sloss
on, in genuine admiration. "Neverbeen saddled?"
"Or man-handled," returned Hazel, determined he should lose nothing ofher contemplated adventure. "He was rounded up this morning at myorders out of a bunch of three-year-old prairie-bred colts. You'llsurely see some real bucking--not cat-jumping," she added mischievously.
"Say, you can't forget that play," cried the man, with some pride."I'd have got on that hoss if he'd bucked to kingdom-come. I don'ttake any bluff from a girl."
"I s'pose girls aren't of much account with you? They're just sillythings with no sense or--or anything. Some men are like that."
A warm glow swept through the man's veins.
"I allow it just depends on the girl."
"Maybe you don't reckon I've got sense?"
Slosson gazed at her with a meaning smile.
"I've seen signs," he observed playfully.
"Thanks. You've surely got keen eyes. Black eyes are mostly keen.Say, I wonder how much sense they reckon they've seen in me?"
"Well, I should say they've seen that you reckon David Slosson makes atolerable companion to ride around with. Which is some sense."
Hazel turned, and her pretty eyes looked straight into his. A man ofless vanity might have questioned the first glance of them. ButSlosson only saw the following smile.
"Just tolerable," she cried, in a fashion which could not give offense.Then she abruptly changed the subject. "Get through your businessat--the office?" she inquired casually.
Slosson's eyes hardened. In a moment the memory of Gordon sweptthrough his brain in a tide of swift, hot anger.
"There's nothing doing," he said harshly.
Hazel turned. A quick alarm was shining in her eyes, and the maninterpreted it exactly. Caution was abruptly cast to the winds.
"Say, Hazel," he cried hotly, "I'm going to tell you something. Yourfather's a--a fool. Oh, I don't mean it just that way. I mean he's afool to set that boy running things for him. He's plumb killed yourgolden goose. We've broken off negotiations. That's all. Therailroad don't need Buffalo Point."
"But what's Gordon done?" the girl cried, for the moment off her guard."Father gave him instructions. You had an offer to make, and it was tobe considered--duly."
"What's Gordon done?" The man's eyes were hot with fury. "So that'sit--'Gordon.' He's 'Gordon,' eh?" All in a moment venom surged to thesurface. The man's unwholesome features went ghastly in his rage. "Heturned me--me out of the office. He told me to go to hell. Say, thatpup has flung your father's whole darned concern right on to the rocks.So it's 'Gordon,' eh? To everybody else he's 'Van Henslaer,' but toyou he's 'Gordon.' That's why he's on to me, I guessed as much. Well,say, you've about mussed up things between you. My back's right up,and I'm cursed if the railroad 'll move for the benefit of thoseinterested in Buffalo Point."
Hazel had heard enough. More than enough. Her temper had risen too.
"Look here, Mr. Slosson. I don't pretend to mistake your inference.Gordon is just a good friend of mine," she declared hotly. "But I'veno doubt that whatever he did was justified. If we're going on anyfarther together you're going to apologize right here and now for whatyou've said about Gordon."
She reined up her mare so sharply that the startled creature was flungupon her haunches, and the man's livery horse went on some yardsfarther before it was pulled up. But Slosson came back at once andranged alongside. They were already in the bigger hills, and oneshaggy crag, overshadowing them, shut out the dazzling gleam of thewestering sun.
"There's going to be the need of a heap of apology around," criedSlosson, but something of his anger was melting before the girl'sflashing eyes. Then, too, the moment was the opportunity he had beenseeking. "See here, Hazel----"
"Don't you dare to call me 'Hazel,'" the girl flung out at him hotly."You will apologize here and now."
There was no mistaking her determination, and the man watched her withfurtive eyes. He pretended to consider deeply before he replied. At agesture of impatience from the girl he finally flung out one arm.
"See here," he cried, "maybe I oughtn't to have said that, and I guessI apologize. But--you see, I was sort of mad when you talked that wayabout this--'Gordon.'" His teeth clipped over the word. "You see,Hazel," he insinuated again, "we've had a real good time together, andyou made it so plain I'm not--indifferent to you that it just stung mebad to hear you speak of--'Gordon.' I'm crazy about you, I am sure.I'm so crazy I can't sleep at nights. I'm so crazy that I'd let therailroad folk go hang just for you--if you just asked me. I'd evenforget all that feller said, and would pool in on Buffalo Point the wayyour father needs--if you asked me."
He waited. He had thrown every effort of persuasion he was capable ofinto his words and manner, and Hazel was deceived. She did not observethe furtive eyes watching her. She was only aware of the almostgenuine manner of his pleading.
"If I asked you?" she said thoughtfully. Then she looked up quickly,her eyes half smiling. "Of course I ask you."
In a moment the man pressed nearer.
"And you'll play the game?" he asked almost breathlessly.
All in a moment a subtle fear of him swept through the girl.Instinctively her hand tightened its grip on the heavy quirt swingingfrom her wrist.
"What do you mean?" she demanded in a low tone.
The man's eyes were shining with the meaning lying behind his words.There should have been no necessity to ask that question.
Quite suddenly he reached farther out and seized her about the waistwith one hand, while with the other he caught her reins to check hermare. The next moment he had crushed her to him and his flushed facewas close to hers.
"There's only one game," he cried hoarsely. "And----"
But he got no further. Like a flash of lightning Hazel's quirt slashedfuriously at him. The blow was wild and missed its object. It fell onhis horse's head and neck. Again it was raised, and again it fell onthe horse and on her mare. The horse plunged aside and her own marestarted forward. The next moment both riders were on the ground,struggling violently.
Sunset plowed along over the prairie. True enough, he was therocking-horse Hazel had declared him to be. But she might have addedthat he was the speediest horse ever foaled on her father's range.
Gordon was in no mood to spare him. But, press him as he might, heseemed incapable of sounding the full depths of his resources.
Had Gordon only taken the course of the impatient Slosson he would havearrived in time to have prevented the catastrophe. But as it was hemade the coalpits, and, finding no trace of either Hazel or the agent,with prompt decision he headed at once for the southern corrals. Itwas some time before he discovered the tracks he sought, and wasbeginning to think that in some extraordinary fashion he had missedthem altogether. The thought stirred his jealousy, and--but he put alldoubt from his mind, and further bustled the long-suffering Sunset.Then came the moment when he first saw the hoof-prints in the sand ofthe cattle track. In a moment his thoughts cleared and his old fearsurged him on.
He was right now, he knew. The hills about him were growing in heightand ruggedness. The corrals were only a few miles on, and Sunset wasracing down the track as if he were aware of the threatening danger tothe girl whom he had so often carried on his back. But even if he werehe was utterly unprepared for the furious thrashing of his presentrider's heels which came as they were approaching one great shaggy hillto the south of them, in answer to a thin, high-pitched shrill for"Help!"
Gordon heard and understood. He had been right, after all, and aterrible panic and fury assailed him. Sunset was racing now, with hisbarrel low to the ground. Then as they came into the shadow of thehill the faithful creature felt the bit in his mouth jar suddenly andpainfully, and he nearly sank on to his haunches.
Gordon was out of the saddle and rushing headlong like somerage-maddened bull.
Something had happened, and Hazel, in a partial daze, scarcelyunderstood quite what it was. All she knew was
that she was no longerstruggling desperately in the arms of a man, with his hideous facethrust towards hers with obvious intention. She had fought as she hadnever dreamed of having to fight in all her life, and in her extremityshe had shrilled again and again for "Help!" which, had she thought,she would have known was miles from the lonely spot where she wasstruggling. Then had happened that something she could not understand.She only knew that she was no longer struggling, and that hideous,coarse, passion-lit face had vanished from before her terrified eyes.
She had heard a voice, a familiar voice, hoarse with passion. Thewords it had uttered were the foulest blasphemy, such words as only aman uses when in the heat of battle and his desire is to kill. Thenhad passed that nightmare face from before her eyes.
After some moments her mental faculties became less uncertain, and withtheir clearing she became aware of a confusion of sounds. She heardthe sound of blows and the incessant shuffling of feet through the tallprairie grass. She looked about her.
All in a minute she was on her feet, her eyes wide and staring with anexpression half of terror, half of the wildest excitement. A fight wasgoing on--a fight in which six feet three of science was arrayedagainst lesser stature but equal strength and a blend of animal furywhich yearned to kill.
David Slosson came at his hated adversary in lunging rushes and withall his weight and muscle, hoping to clinch and reduce the battle tothe less scientific condition of a "rough-and-tumble" as it is knownonly in America. Once he could achieve a definite clinch he knew thatthe advantage would lie with him. He knew the game of "chew and gouge"as few men knew it. He had learned it in his earlier days of lumbercamps.
But Gordon had steadied himself from his first mad rush. It was thesight of Hazel in this man's clutches that had roused the desire formurder in his hot blood. Now it was different. Now it was a fight, afight such as he could enjoy; and such were his feelings that he wasdetermined it should be a fight to a finish, even if that finish shouldmean a killing.
He had no difficulty in punishing. His opponent's arms came at himwildly, while his own leads and counters struck home with smashes of astaggering nature. Twice he got in an upper-cut which set his manreeling, and in each case he smashed home his left immediately with allthe force of his great shoulders. But David Slosson was tough. Heseemed to thrive on punishment, and he came again and again.
Gordon was in his element. His physical condition had never been moreperfect, and, provided that clinch was prevented, nothing on earthcould save his man. The blood was already streaming from Slosson'scheek, and an ugly split disfigured his lower lip.
Now he came in with his head down--a favorite bull rush of the"rough-and-tumble." Gordon saw it coming and waited. He side-stepped,and smashed a terrific blow behind the left ear. The man stumbled, butsaved himself. With an inarticulate attempt at an oath he was at theboxer again. Another rush, but it checked half-way, and a violent kickwas aimed at Gordon's middle. It missed its mark, but caught him onthe side of the knee. The pain of the blow for a moment robbed theyounger man of his caution. He responded with a smashing left andright. They both landed, but in the rush his loose coat was caught andheld as the agent fell.
Slosson clung to the coat as a terrier will cling to a stick. In spiteof the rain of blows battering his head he held on. It was the firsthold he needed. The second came a moment later. His other arm crookedabout Gordon's right knee. The next moment they were on the ground inthe throes of a wild, demoniacal "rough-and-tumble."
The science of the boxer could serve Gordon no longer. He knew it. Heknew also that the fight was more than leveled up. The struggle haddegenerated into an inhuman aim for those vital parts which would leavethe victim blind or maimed for life.
By the luck of Providence he fell uppermost. His hands being free andhis strength at its greatest, also possessing nothing of the degradedmind of the rough-and-tumble fighter, he went for his opponent'sthroat, and got his grip just as he felt the other's teeth clip, in asavage snap, at his right ear. It was a happy miss, or he knew hewould have spent the rest of his life with only one ear, and possiblypart of the other.
But there were other things to avoid. He crushed the man's head uponthe ground, while his great hands tightened their grip upon his throat.But Slosson's hands were not idle. They struggled up, and Gordon feltthat they were groping for his throat. His own pressure increased.
"Squeal, you swine!" he roared. "Squeal, or I'll choke the life out ofyou!"
The man was unable to squeal under the terrible throat-hold. Hisbreath was coming in gasps. All of a sudden those groping hands made alunge at Gordon's eyes. One finger even struck his left eye withintent to gouge it out. Gordon threw back his head, but dared notrelease his hold. His only other defense was an instinctive one. Heopened his mouth and made a wolfish snap at the hand that had sought toblind him. He bit three of its fingers to the bone. There was a cryfrom the man under his hands, and the straining body beneath him ceasedto struggle.
Gordon released his hold and stood up. He aimed one violent kick ofdisgust at the man's ribs and turned away.