[Bad Hugh by Mary Jane Holmes]@TWC D-Link book
Bad Hugh

CHAPTER XIII
2/8

Is there nothing else?
I'll give a mortgage on Spring Bank." Harney did not care for a mortgage, but there was something else, and the rascally face brightened, as, stepping back, while he made the proposition, he faintly suggested "Lulu." He would give a thousand dollars for her, and Hugh could keep his horse.

For a moment the two young men regarded each other intently, Hugh's eyes flashing gleams of fire, and his whole face expressive of the contempt he felt for the wretch who cowed at last beneath the look, and turned away muttering that "he saw nothing so very heinous in wishing to purchase a nigger wench." Then, changing his tone to one of defiance, he added: "Since you are not inclined to part with either of your pets, you'll oblige me with the money, and before to-morrow night.

You understand me, I presume ?" "I do," and bowing haughtily, Hugh passed through the open door.
In a kind of desperation he mounted Rocket, and dashed out of town at a speed which made more than one look after him, wondering what cause there was for his headlong haste.

A few miles from the city he slacked his speed, and dismounting by a running brook, sat down to think.

The price offered for Lulu would set him free from every pressing debt, and leave a large surplus, but not for a moment did he hesitate.
"I'd lead her out and shoot her through the heart, before I'd do that thing," he said.
Then turning to the noble animal cropping the grass beside him, he wound his arms around his neck, and tried to imagine how it would seem to know the stall at home was empty, and his beautiful Rocket gone.
"If I could pawn him," he thought, just as the sound of wheels was heard, and he saw old Colonel Tiffton driving down the turnpike.
Between the colonel and his daughter Ellen there had been a conversation that very day touching the young man Hugh, in whom Ellen now felt a growing interest.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books