He went back to the kitchen and
called out Wu Chi. The latter came shuffling in his slippers, nodding,
grinning in anticipation of compliments.
"Wu," came the short demand, "can you keep your mouth shut and do what
you're told to do?"
"Wu try," said the Chinaman, grave as a yellow image instantly.
"Then go to the living room and tell Mr. Gainor and Sheriff Minter that
Mr. Harkness is waiting for them outside and wishes to see them on
business of the most urgent nature. It will only be the matter of a
moment. Now go. Gainor and the sheriff. Don't forget."
He received a scared glance, and then went out onto the veranda and sat
down to wait.
That was the right way, he felt. His father would have called the sheriff
to the door, in a similar situation, and after one brief challenge they
would have gone for their guns. But there was another way, and that was
the way of the Colbys. Their way was right. They lived like gentlemen,
and, above all, they fought always like gentlemen.
Presently the screen door opened, squeaked twice, and then closed with a
hum of the screen as it slammed.
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