The visits were merely
part of a plan to get possession of the idol. While he had been
talking to Betty in the office tonight Telza had stolen the diagram.
There was more than triumph in Calumet's eyes as he turned his
pony--there was joy and savage exultation. The idol was his; he would
get the money, too. After that he would drive Betty and all of them--
But would he? A curious indecision mingled with his other emotions at
this thought. His face grew serious. Lately he was developing a
vacillating will; whenever he meditated any action with regard to Betty
he had an inclination to defer it. He postponed a decision now; he
would think it over again. Before he made up his mind on that question
he wanted to enjoy her discomfiture and confusion over the loss of the
diagram.
He had lost all thought of pursuing Taggart. Sharp had said that
Taggart was somewhere in the vicinity, but it was just possible that
Sharp had been so deeply engaged with Telza about the time Taggart had
made his escape that he had not seen him. There was time for him to
settle with Taggart.
He took up the bridle rein, wheeled, placed one foot into the stirrup,
intending to mount, when he became aware of a shadow looming near him.
He pulled the foot out of the stirrup, dropped the reins with the same
movement, and turned in a flash.
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