"
Haines stopped short at this astounding charge against his chief.
"Norton, you lie! I'll believe it of Langdon when he tells me so; not
otherwise."
Norton turned to Randolph.
"Perhaps you'll believe Mr. Langdon's son, Mr. Haines?"
Randolph Langdon stepped forward.
"It's true, Haines," he said; "my father's money is in Altacoola
lands."
Haines looked him up and down, with a sneer.
"_Your_ money may be," he said. "I don't think you're a bit too good
for it, but your father is a different kind."
Carolina Langdon stood at the back of the room, nervously awaiting
the moment when, she knew, she would be forced into the unpleasant
discussion.
"I reckon you can't refuse to believe Miss Langdon," drawled Norton,
with aggravated deliberation.
"Of course," stammered Haines, "I'd believe it if Miss Langdon says
it's so."
The Congressman turned toward Carolina as he spoke and fixed on her
a tense look which spelled as plainly as though spoken, "It's all in
your hands, my fortune--yours."
She slowly drew across the room. Haines could hardly conceal the
turmoil of his mind. The world seemed suddenly snatched from around
him, leaving her figure alone before him. Would she affirm what
Norton and Randolph had said? He must believe her. But surely it was
impossible that she--
Carolina played for time.
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