Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія

           Magnushadbeenontheverypointofsayingsomething,perhapscommittinghimselftosomecourseofaction,and,atpreciselythewrongmoment,hiswifehadcutin.Theopportunitywaslost.Thethreereturnedtowardtheranchhouse;butbeforesayinggood-bye,AnnixterhadsecuredfromMagnusapromisetotheeffectthat,beforecomingtoadefinitedecisioninthematterunderdiscussion,hewouldtalkfurtherwithhim.

           Presleymethimattheporch.HewasgoingintotownwithPhelps,andproposedtoAnnixterthatheshouldaccompanythem.

           “IwanttogooverandseeoldBroderson,”Annixterobjected.

           ButPresleyinformedhimthatBrodersonhadgonetoBonnevilleearlierinthemorning.Hehadseenhimgopastinhisbuckboard.Thethreemensetoff,PhelpsandAnnixteronhorseback,Presleyonhisbicycle.

           Whentheyhadgone,Mrs.Derricksoughtoutherhusbandintheofficeoftheranchhouse.Shewasatherprettiestthatmorning,hercheeksflushedwithexcitement,herinnocent,wide-openeyesalmostgirlish.Shehadfastenedherhair,stillmoist,withablackribbontiedatthebackofherhead,andthesoftmassoflightbrownreachedtobelowherwaist,makingherlookveryyoung.

           “Whatwasithewassayingtoyoujustnow,”sheexclaimed,asshecamethroughthegateinthegreen-paintedwirerailingoftheoffice.“WhatwasMr.Annixtersaying?Iknow.Hewastryingtogetyoutojoinhim,tryingtopersuadeyoutobedishonest,wasn’tthatit?Tellme,Magnus,wasn’tthatit?”

           Magnusnodded.

           Hiswifedrewclosetohim,puttingahandonhisshoulder.