She would have brought a man
from Las Estrellas, she would have let him think what pleased him, just
saying that Norton had met with an accident, that an operation was
necessary. And now Patten was here.
Could she use him?
"You followed us?" she said, gaining time for her thoughts.
"Yes; I followed you. I saw you come here. I watched while he
unsaddled, how he came up to you. What I could not see through the
rock walls I could guess! And now . . ."
"Well, now?" she repeated after him, so that Patten must have marvelled
at her lack of emotion. "Now what?"
"Now," he spat at her venomously, "I think I have found the fact to
shut Roderick Norton's blabbing mouth for him!"
"I don't understand . . ."
"You don't? You mean that he hasn't done any talking to you about me?"
"Oh!" And now suddenly she did understand. "You mean how you are not
Caleb Patten at all but Charles? How you are no physician but liable
to prosecution for illegal practising?"
Could she use him or could she not? That was what she was thinking,
over and over.
"Where is he?" demanded Patten a little suspiciously. "What is he
doing? What are you doing out here alone?"
"He is asleep," she told him.
Patten laughed again.
"Your little parties are growing commonplace then!"
"Charles Patten," she cut in coolly, "I have stood enough of your
insult.
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