Page:Caroline Lockhart--The full of the Moon.djvu/55

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THE FOREMAN OF THE L. X.
47

quently under a short, stiff mustache, to disclose two rows of strong, yellow teeth.

The conspicuous cleft in his square, hard chin seemed at variance with the rest of his face, which chiefly denoted arrogance.

In the cart he had seemed a tall man, but standing, his height was not much greater than Nan's own. He was of stocky build and inclined to corpulency, also he had a peculiar rolling walk not unlike a sailor's.

Now, as he acknowledged the landlord's introduction in a sweeping bow, the removal of his hat displayed a rather bald head upon which a few lengthy hairs were used to the greatest advantage.

"Poth tells me you've come to make a little stay in our country. Glad to hear it! If there's anything I can do for you—anything at all you want, lemme know." His manner of speech was abrupt, authoritative, wholly indicative of a man accustomed to obedience.

"You are very kind," Nan murmured formally.

"Now, don't hesitate," he urged. "We're rough out here, and style ain't our long suit,