"And in spite of that," goes on Mr. Ellins, "you induce him to break
his word to me and you hide him in another hotel."
"Something like that," admits Auntie, squarin' her jaw. "Why not, Mr.
Ellins?"
"Why, Auntie!" gasps Vee.
"Verona!" says Auntie, shootin' over a reprovin' look.
"But see here," protests Old Hickory. "I was arranging with this man
to fit out a treasure-hunting expedition. He had made a verbal
contract with me. Just because you over-heard my plans, you had no
right to take advantage. You can't do that sort of thing, you know."
"Oh, can't I?" sneers Auntie, lookin' him straight in the eye. "But I
have, you see."
And that's one of the few times I ever saw Old Hickory Ellins squirm at
a come-back. He pinks up some, too; but he keeps a grip on his temper.
"Then you--you intend financing this somewhat doubtful enterprise?" he
asks. "A man you know nothing about, too. Suppose he never comes
back?"
"I shall go along myself," says Auntie.
"You?" says Old Hickory. "To dig for buried treasure!"
"I have always wanted to do something of the kind," says Auntie.
"True, I may not look like that sort of a person, and I suppose that I
do lead rather a dull, commonplace existence. Not from choice,
however.
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