With this in mind, he began to speak again: "A man came to us with a complaint that you were keeping his children from him."
If Horace had received the blow the other longed to give, he could not have been more shocked.
"I believe his name is Cronk," went on Everett, taking a slip from his pocket; "yes, Lon Cronk."
Horace took his paper-knife from the table and twirled it in his fingers. His face had grown ashen white, his lips were set closely over his teeth.
"I have met this Cronk," he said in a low tone.
"So I understand. He told me that he had been at your home, and had demanded his children, and that you had refused to give them up."
"I did!" There was no lack of emphasis in the words.
"And you said that he could not have them unless he went to law for them."
"I did!" said Horace again.
"And he came to me."
Horace rose to his feet, a deep frown gathering on his brow. Everett rose also, and the two men faced each other for a long moment.
"And you took the case?" Horace got out at last.
"Yes, I took the case," Everett replied.
"And yet you knew that Ann loved them?"
"I was--was sure that if you both understood--"
The speaker's hesitation brought forth an ejaculation from Shellington.
"What are we to understand?"
"That justice must be done the father," responded Everett quickly.
Horace squared his jaw and snapped out: "Do I understand that, in spite of the near relationship of our family, you are willing to deal a blow to my sister and me that, if it falls, will be almost unbearable? You intend to fight with this squatter for his children?"
"I don't intend to fight, Horace, if you're willing to give them to me. I had much rather have our present relations go on as they are, without a breach in them. I think, if you and Ann talk it over, you will see that by giving the boy and girl into my hands--"
Horace came a step nearer, with darkening brow: "You can go straight to hell!" he said, so fiercely that Everett started back. "And the sooner you go, the better I shall be pleased," his face reddened as he finished, "and so will Ann!"
"You're speaking for someone who has not given you authority," Everett sneered. "Your sister will give me at least one of those children--I imagine, the girl. I think the father is more particular about having her."