THE FIGHTING SHEPHERDESS
"I'd get something out of it for my time and work,
of course, but, mostly, Tm anxious to see a friend get
hold of a good thing."
This fine spirit of disinterested solicitude met with no response.
- I presume it's equally true, Mr. Toomey, that the
completion of the project means considerable to the town ? '*
" Considerable ! " with explosive vehemence. " It's got where it's a case of life or death. The coyotes'll be denning in the Security State Bank and the birds building nests in the Opera House in a year or two, if something don't turn up."
"How soon can you furnish me with the data you may have on hand?"
"About six minutes and four seconds, If I run," Toomey replied in humorous earnestness.
Prentiss's face did not relax.
"Get it and bring it to my room — at once." His voice was cold and businesslike, strongly reminiscent now
of Kate's.
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