"Not at all," said Cameron lightly, "but, if you must know, Perkins went
stumbling among these pots and pans and finally sat down in the tub; and
naturally he is mad."
"Is that true, Joe?" said Mandy, moving slowly nearer him.
"Oh, shut up, Mandy! I'm all wet, that's all, and I'm going to bed."
His voice was faint as though he were speaking with an effort.
"You go into the house," he said to the girl. "I've got something to say
to Cameron here."
"You are quarreling."
"Oh, give us a rest, Mandy, and get out! No, there's no quarreling, but
I want to have a talk with Cameron about something. Go on, now!"
For a few moments she hesitated, looking from one to the other.
"It's all right, Mandy," said Cameron quietly. "You needn't be afraid,
there won't be any trouble."
For a moment more she stood, then quietly turned away.
"Wait!" said Perkins to Cameron, and followed Mandy into the house. For
some minutes Cameron stood waiting.
"Now, you murderous brute!" he said, when Perkins reappeared. "Come down
to the barn where no girl can interfere." He turned towards the barn.
"Hold on!" said Perkins, breathing heavily. "Not to-night. I want to say
something. She's waiting to see me go upstairs."
Cameron came back.
"What have you got to say, you cur?" he asked in a voice filled with a
cold and deliberate contempt.
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