"Surely she can't
be in love with that red-faced brute we fought with in the Omega
office," I thought. That was impossible. Besides, we had turned him
out. Doddridge Knapp would be president as soon as the new board of
directors elected its officers. She couldn't, of course, think of
marrying her own father. I could not understand what she meant, but I
knew I was furiously uncomfortable and wished I was rich enough to buy
up the company. Luella saw my distress as I tried to rise and fly from
the place.
"Don't go," she said gently. "What are you going to do with your men?"
"The free companions are to be disbanded," I said, recovering myself
with a gulp.
"Are any of them killed?" she asked in solicitous tones.
"No. Porter is pretty badly hurt. We got him down from Livermore to-
day. He was in the jail there, with Abrams and Brown. We gave bail for
them, and all the men are back at the Montgomery Street place.
Barkhouse is getting on all right, and there are a few bruises and cuts
scattered around in my flock. But they'll all be in trim for another
fight in two or three weeks."
"I suppose you'll be sorry to part with them."
"They are a faithful set, but I've had enough excitement for a while."
"And Mrs. Borton?"
"Is to be buried to-morrow."
"And you, Mr. Dudley?"
This question struck me a little blank. I had really not thought of
what I was going to do.
"It's another case of an occupation gone," I said rather ruefully.
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