THE STEADFAST HEART
about,” he said. “I do not know that it will come up while you are away, but it may prove embarrassing…. Judge Crane is borrowing money.”
He paused a moment to await Mr. Woodhouse’s comment.
“I know, I’ve heard something of it. He’s rather mysterious about it.”
“I think I know what he is doing,” Angus said. “He will want more money… a great deal more money, I believe.”
Mr. Woodhouse waited for Angus to elucidate.
“He believes,” said Angus, “he has discovered oil. You know there has always been footless talk of oil in this valley… because we have all seen oil floating in colored patches on the river. Sometimes if you stir the mud with a stick this oil will arise and spread…. People have said there must be oil, but nobody has ever tried to find out.”
“Yes. Naturally I have heard…. I have noticed this oily scum which floats on the water—iridescent patches that undoubtedly smell of petroleum…. Crane may be right.”
“He seems,” said Angus, “to be going ahead before he knows whether or not he is right…. It was Bishwhang gave me a hint of what the Judge is up to—Bishwhang heard some talk between Judge Crane and a stranger who was
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