Sandy wasted no time in diplomacy; he struck
straight out from the shoulder.
"If it's doing something you don't want to, you don't have to, Nettie.
I'm here."
Carter stopped his horse.
"Will you get down?" he demanded angrily.
"After you," said Sandy.
Carter measured his man, then stepped to the ground. Sandy promptly
followed.
"And now," said Carter, "you'll perhaps be good enough to explain what
you mean."
Sandy still kept his hand on the buggy and his eyes on Annette; when
he spoke it was to her.
"If it's your wish to go on, say the word."
The tearful young person in the buggy looked very limp and miserable,
but declined to make any remarks.
"Miss Fenton and I expect to be married this evening," said Carter,
striving for dignity, though his breath came short with excitement.
"We take the train in twenty minutes. Your interference is not only
impudent--it's useless. I know perfectly well who sent you: it was
Judge Hollis. He was the only man we met after we left town. Just
return to him, with my compliments, and tell him I say he is a meddler
and a fool!"
"Annette," said Sandy, softly, coming toward her, "the doctor'll be
wanting his coffee by now."
"Let me pass," cried Carter, "you common hound! Take your foot off
that step or I'll--" He made a quick motion toward his hip, and Sandy
caught his hand as it closed on a pearl-handled revolver.
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