José — page 304: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

JOSE. 297 “Tf they concern no one but me, interrupted Bau- mann, as the young American made a motion to leave; “I beg you will speak without fear. ‘This is Mr. Green, whose companion I was in the ill-fated expedition across the plains.” Brown slightly bowed to the young man, and slowly sat down, with a look of uneasiness. “T come directly from my daughter, sir, whose departure for the east,” he began, “I learned at Fort McGregor, whither I returned sooner that I ex- pected. I presume you have been informed how I was formerly situated there?” Baumann mutely inclined his head. “My daughter, after her bereavement, disposed of her inheritance and her hand without having first consulted her father,” he continued, lightly con- tracting his brows; “however, in our country this is not so uncommon that I should wish to complain about it. Nevertheless, my interests are so closely involved with the bequest, that I cannot resign the contract into which the deceased entered with me, without proper compensation. Possibly you do not know that Iam ashareholder in the land attached to the fort?” He regarded the young man as if he hoped to read the impression of this announcement in his face. “T am aware of that fact,” replied Baumann, with a look of scorn. “I also know that you gave your daughter in payment for this land.” Brown turned pale; he looked at Green, who was gazing out upon the street with a totally uncon- cerned air apparently, then with an obdurate ex- pression again regarded his vis-a-vis. ~ “T believe, sir, 1am responsible to myself alone for my actions,” he said. “A moment’s conversa- tion with my daughter has made it all clear to me, and I shall therefore confine myself to business. Mary has referred me to you as her—attorney or something of the kind,” he continued, in an icy tone, producing a waliet from an inner coat pocket. “These lines, I think, will explain everything, and I pray you, after you have received your informa- Gomicbooksco