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Harte, Bret, 1836-1902

"Drift from Two Shores"

Then there was YOU. Now you
spent $250 on your trip to 'Frisco thet summer; then $200 went for
them presents you sent your Aunt Jane, and thar was $400 for house
expenses. Well, thet foots up $1,250. Now, what's become of thet
other $250?"
Mrs. Catron's woman's impulse to retaliate sharply overcame her
first natural indignation at her visitor's impudence.
Therein she lost, woman-like, her ground of vantage.
"Perhaps the woman he fled with can tell you," she said savagely.
"Thet," said the captain, slowly, "is a good, a reasonable idee.
But it ain't true; from all I can gather SHE lent HIM money. It
didn't go THAR."
"Roger Catron left me penniless," said Mrs. Catron, hotly.
"Thet's jist what gets me. You oughter have $250 somewhar lying
round."
Mrs. Catron saw her error. "May I ask what right you have to
question me? If you have any, I must refer you to my lawyer or my
brother-in-law; if you have none, I hope you will not oblige me to
call the servants to put you from the house."
"Thet sounds reasonable and square, too," said the captain,
thoughtfully; "I've a power of attorney from Roger Catron to settle
up his affairs and pay his debts, given a week afore them
detectives handed ye over his dead body.


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