"Yes," he returned, stepping past, and emptying his pockets on the
white coverlet of the bed. "There is the money."
She glanced at the pile doubtfully.
"What money?"
"Why, yours, of course. The money you told me Albrecht owed you."
She turned, somewhat embarrassed, her eyes upon his surprised face.
"Do you mean that was all you got?" she questioned finally. "Did he
send nothing for the others? Did n't you know he was equally in debt
to every member of the company?"
With these words the entire situation dawned upon him for the first
time. He had been thinking only about Miss Norvell, and had permitted
the rascally manager to escape with the greater portion of his stolen
goods. The realization of how easily he had been tricked angered him,
his face darkening. She read the truth as quickly, and, before he
found speech in explanation, had swept the little pile of loose bills
into her lap.
"Wait here a moment, please," she exclaimed quickly; "I shall be right
back."
He remained as bidden, wondering dimly as to her purpose, yet her brief
absence yielded but little opportunity for thought. He met her at the
door with an indignantly suspicious question: "What have you been doing? Surely, you have n't given all that money
away?"
The girl smiled, a gleam of defiance visible in the uplifted eyes.
"Every cent of it. Why, what else could I do? They actually have
nothing, and must get back to Denver or starve."
For an instant he completely lost his self-control.
"Why did n't you tell me first?" he asked sharply. "Did you suppose I
collected my own money, and could therefore meet your expenses?"
He never forgot the expression which swept instantly into her face--the
quick indignation that leaped from the depths of those dark eyes.
"I was not aware I had ever requested any help from Mr. Winston," she
returned clearly, her slight form held erect. "Your following after
Albrecht was entirely voluntary, but I naturally presumed the money you
brought back belonged to me. You said it did, and hence I supposed it
could be disposed of at my own discretion."
"You have exhibited none."
"That would seem to depend entirely upon the point of view. Until I
request your aid, however, your criticism is not desired."
Both voice and manner were so cold that they were equivalent to
dismissal, but Winston hesitated, already beginning to regret the
bitter harshness of his speech. Beneath his steady gaze her cheeks
flamed hotly.