Carmella Commands
Mr. Hastings’ explanation was too technical to satisfy. She couldn’t understand, not even enough to explain to Tommaso. And he, sensing difficulty, was instantly suspicious. He was used to money, and checks, and savings account books. But, since the man had differentiated this check from others, he would have none of it. He spoke a dozen words in Italian to Carmella, who thereupon explained that money or nothing was her father’s motto. As she finished Dixon turned in his seat, slowing down the machine.
“Listen, kid!” he said. “Excuse me for butting in, Mr. Hastings, but she’ll understand me better. A certified check is extra special. Safe as the Bank of Italy. It’s better than money, because it isn’t so easy to lose. Take it from me! Tell your old man to take it, and after we leave the office out here I’ll drive you to his bank, whatever it is, to deposit it.”
“Dixon!” exclaimed Mr. Hastings hotly.
“Yes, sir!”
“I’ll give the orders here.”
“Very well, sir! You will after I’ve followed Mrs. Barrington’s orders, which were to see that Kid Kate and her old man were looked out for in every way. Those are my first orders, sir.”
From Mr. Hastings’ answering silence, as from the words and tones of this brief passage, Carmella instantly knew that Mrs. Barrington and her husband’s agent were not friends.
She knew that Dixon and Hastings were not friends.
[104]
