第44章

There was a brakeman on the train got kind of fresh: he didn't know who I was.Well, I just put my hand on his shoulder and pushed him down in his seat like this''--he set his hand upon Miss Pratt's shoulder.``I didn't want to hit him, because there was women and chuldren in the car, so I just shoved my face up close to him, like this.`I guess you don't know how much stock my father's got in this road,' I says.

Did he wilt? Well, you ought of seen that brakeman when I got through tellin' him who I was!''

``Nassy ole brateman!'' said Miss Pratt, with unfailing sympathy.

Mr.Crooper's fat hand, as if unconsciously, gave Miss Pratt's delicate shoulder a little pat in reluctant withdrawal.``Well, that's the way with me,'' he said.``Much as I been around this world, nobody ever tried to put anything over on me and got away with it.They always come out the little end o' the horn; I dunno why it is.

Say, that's a mighty smooth locket you got on the end o' that chain, there.'' And again stretching forth his hand, in a proprietor-like way, he began to examine the locket.

Three hot hearts, just behind, pulsated hatred toward him; for Johnnie Watson had perceived his error, and his sentiments were now linked to those of Joe Bullitt and William.The unhappiness of these three helpless spectators was the more poignant because not only were they witnesses of the impression of greatness which George Crooper was obviously producing upon Miss Pratt, but they were unable to prevent themselves from being likewise impressed.

They were not analytical; they dumbly accepted George at his own rating, not even being able to charge him with lack of modesty.Did he not always accompany his testimonials to himself with his deprecating falsetto laugh and ``I dunno why it is,'' an official disclaimer of merit, ``as it were''? Here was a formidable candidate, indeed--a traveler, a man of the world, with brains better and quicker than other people's brains; an athlete, yet knightly--he would not destroy even a brakeman in the presence of women and children--and, finally, most enviable and deadly, the owner and operator of a ``little racer''! All this glitter was not far short of overpowering; and yet, though accepting it as fact, the woeful three shared the inconsistent belief that in spite of everything George was nothing but a big, fat lummox.For thus they even rather loudly whispered of him--almost as if hopeful that Miss Pratt, and mayhap George himself, might overhear.

Impotent their seething! The overwhelming Crooper pursued his conquering way.He leaned more and more toward the magnetic girl, his growing tenderness having that effect upon him, and his head inclining so far that his bedewed brow now and then touched the fluffy hat.He was constitutionally restless, but his movements never ended by placing a greater distance between himself and Miss Pratt, though they sometimes discommoded Miss Parcher, who sat at the other side of him--a side of him which appeared to be without consciousness.He played naively with Miss Pratt's locket and with the filmy border of her collar; he flicked his nose for some time with her little handkerchief, loudly sniffing its scent; and finally he became interested in a ring she wore, removed it, and tried unsuccessfully to place it upon one of his own fingers.

``I've worn lots o' girls' rings on my watch-fob.

I'd let 'em wear mine on a chain or something.

I guess they like to do that with me,'' he said.

``I dunno why it is.''

At this subtle hint the three unfortunates held their breath, and then lost it as the lovely girl acquiesced in the horrible exchange.As for William, life was of no more use to him.Out of the blue heaven of that bright morning's promise had fallen a pall, draping his soul in black and purple.He had been horror-stricken when first the pudgy finger of George Crooper had touched the fluffy edge of that sacred little hat; then, during George's subsequent pawings and leanings, William felt that he must either rise and murder or go mad.But when the exchange of rings was accomplished, his spirit broke and even resentment oozed away.For a time there was no room in him for anything except misery.

Dully, William's eyes watched the fat shoulders hitching and twitching, while the heavy arms flourished in gesture and in further pawings.

Again and again were William's ears afflicted with, ``I dunno why it is,'' following upon tribute after tribute paid by Mr.Crooper to himself, and received with little cries of admiration and sweet child-words on the part of Miss Pratt.It was a long and accursed ride.