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Norris, Frank, 1870-1902

"Vandover and the Brute"

"Why are you so particular about that?" he added. Then Geary
exploded his mine.
"Because," he said, with a smile of triumph that he could not restrain,
"because we are the counsel for the other side. I am on the case."
Vandover bounded from the window-seat speechless with astonishment,
bitterly disappointed. "_You?_ he shouted. Geary slowly nodded his head,
enjoying Vandover's bewilderment. Vandover dropped back upon the
cushions again, staring at him wildly with growing suspicion and anger.
He would not have thought it possible that Geary could so sacrifice
their old friendship to his own personal interest. The two continued
staring at each other across the table for a moment. In the silence
they heard the long rumble of a cable-car passing the house, and the
persistent jangling of its bell as it approached the street crossing. A
grocery wagon went up the side street, the horses' hoofs making a
cadenced clapping sound upon the asphalt.
"Well," exclaimed Vandover scornfully, "I suppose that's business, but I
would call it damned unkind!"
"Now, look here, old man," returned Geary consolingly.


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