"I've got _my_ reasons. If you don't know enough to see 'em, it isn't my
fault," snapped the Duke, passing them and overhearing.

"Then I've got this to say." The young man stopped his grandfather--as
big, as determined, as passionate--Thornton against Thornton. "I'll not
go to the legislature."

The old man shouted his reply.

"I don't know as you will, you tote-road mule, you! But, by the
suffering Herod, they'll have to show _me_ first!"

He elbowed his grandson aside and kept on pacing the porch.




CHAPTER IV

THE DUKE AT BAY


After that outburst Presson went away by himself to sulk. Young Thornton
made no further protest. He stared at his grandfather, trying to
comprehend what it meant--this bitterness, this savage resentment, this
arbitrary authority that took no heed of his own wishes. He had always
known a calm, kindly, sometimes caustic, but never impatient Thelismer
Thornton. This old man, surly, domineering, and unreasonable, was new to
him. And after a little while, worried and saddened, he went away. His
presence seemed to stir even more rancor as the moments passed.