"I think so, too," he answered. "Get into the Mayor's flivver, my
dear, and I'll drive you. And perhaps the least said about this
affair the better, Shirley. There are many things that you do not
understand and which cannot be elucidated by discussion."
"I can understand an attempt at assassination, Uncle Seth."
"That blackguard Minorca! I should have known better than to put him
on such a job. I told him to bluff and threaten; Cardigan, I knew,
would realize the grudge the Black Minorca has against him, and for
that reason I figured the greaser was the only man who could bluff
him. While I gave him orders to shoot, I told him distinctly not to
hit anybody. Good Lord, Shirley, surely you do not think I would wink
at a murder!"
"I do," she answered passionately. "With Bryce Cardigan out of the
way, you would have a clear field before you--"
"Oh, my dear, my dear! Surely you do not realize what you are saying.
You are beside yourself, Shirley. Please--please do not wound me so--
so horribly. You do not--you cannot realize what a desperate fight I
have been putting up for both our sakes. I am surrounded by enemies--
the most implacable enemies. They force me to fight the devil with
fire--and here you are, giving them aid and comfort."
"I want you to defeat Bryce Cardigan, if you can do it fairly.
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