Page:Between Two Loves.djvu/194

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THE HAND THAT TURNS BACK.
189

ing for; or make an action of t' word rascal if ta wants to. Dost ta think that any jury in t' West Riding is going to fine me for telling thee a bit o' truth? Thou art too well known round here to get a farthing o' damages, Rhodes. And thou wilt hev enough to do just now to defend thy client against me and my nephew."

"Mr. Shuttleworth, I have paid you all the law allowed, and my business is done with you. Good-morning."

"Stop a bit. My business isn't done with thee, and that is what I'm staying for. Dost ta think anybody stops a minute longer in thy spider's parlor than they can help? I hev come to tell thee that Jonathan Burley is my nephew, my sister's lad, and that I am going to fight his quarrel for him."

Rhodes looked quickly up. He was astonished and dismayed, but he controlled himself wonderfully, and answered, with apparent indifference, "I congratulate Mr. Burley on his champion. It is a pity, Shuttleworth, that you did not come forward before your nephew was ruined."

"Speak about what thou knows. My nephew ruined! Not he. He'll hev time to run ivery