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Brewster’s Millions by George Barr McCutcheon, Chapter 11. Coals of Fire

Chapter 11. Coals of Fire

It was not that he had realized heavily in his investments which caused his friends and his enemies to regard him in a new light; his profit had been quite small, as things go on the Exchange in these days. The mere fact that he had shown such foresight proved sufficient cause for the reversal of opinion. Men looked at him with new interest in their eyes, with fresh confidence. His unfortunate operations in the stock market had restored him to favor in all circles. The man, young or old, who could do what he had done with Lumber and Fuel well deserved the new promises that were being made for him.

Brewster bobbed uncertainly between two emotions--elation and distress. He had achieved two kinds of success--the desired and the undesired. It was but natural that he should feel proud of the distinction the venture had brought to him on one hand, but there was reason for despair over the acquisition of $50,000. It made it necessary for him to undertake an almost superhuman feat--increase the number of his January bills. The plans for the ensuing spring and summer were dimly getting into shape and they covered many startling projects. Since confiding some of them to "Nopper" Harrison, that gentleman had worn a never-decreasing look of worry and anxiety in his eyes. Rawles added to his despair a day or two after the Stock Exchange misfortune. He brought up the information that six splendid little puppies had come to bless his Boston terrier family, and Joe Bragdon, who was present, enthusiastically predicted that he could get $100 apiece for them. Brewster loved dogs, yet for one single horrible moment he longed to massacre the helpless little creatures. But the old affection came back to him, and he hurried out with Bragdon to inspect the brood.

"And I've either got to sell them or kill them," he groaned. Later on he instructed Bragdon to sell the pups for $25 apiece, and went away, ashamed to look their proud mother in the face.

Fortune smiled on him before the day was over, however. He took "Subway" Smith for a ride in the "Green Juggernaut," bad weather and bad roads notwithstanding. Monty lost control of the machine and headed for a subway excavation. He and Smith saved themselves by leaping to the pavement, sustaining slight bruises, but the great machine crashed through the barricade and dropped to the bottom of the trench far below. To Smith's grief and Brewster's delight the automobile was hopelessly ruined, a clear loss of many thousands. Monty's joy was short-lived, for it was soon learned that three luckless workmen down in the depths had been badly injured by the green meteor from above. The mere fact that Brewster could and did pay liberally for the relief of the poor fellows afforded him little consolation. His carelessness, and possibly his indifference, had brought suffering to these men and their families which was not pleasant to look back upon. Lawsuits were avoided by compromises. Each of the injured men received $4,000.

At this time every one was interested in the charity bazaar at the Astoria. Society was on exhibition, and the public paid for the privilege of gazing at the men and women whose names filled the society columns. Brewster frequented the booth presided over by Miss Drew, and there seemed to be no end to his philanthropy. The bazaar lasted two days and nights, and after that period his account-book showed an even "profit" of nearly $3,000. Monty's serenity, however, was considerably ruffled by the appearance of a new and aggressive claimant for the smiles of the fair Barbara. He was a Californian of immense wealth and unbounded confidence in himself, and letters to people in New York had given him a certain entree. The triumphs in love and finance that had come with his two score years and ten had demolished every vestige of timidity that may have been born with him. He was successful enough in the world of finance to have become four or five times a millionaire, and he had fared so well in love that twice he had been a widower. Rodney Grimes was starting out to win Barbara with the same dash and impulsiveness that overcame Mary Farrell, the cook in the mining-camp, and Jane Boothroyd, the school-teacher, who came to California ready to marry the first man who asked her. He was a penniless prospector when he married Mary, and when he led Jane to the altar she rejoiced in having captured a husband worth at least $50,000.

He vied with Brewster in patronizing Barbara's booth, and he rushed into the conflict with an impetuosity that seemed destined to carry everything before it. Monty was brushed aside, Barbara was preempted as if she were a mining claim and ten days after his arrival in New York, Grimes was the most talked-of man in town. Brewster was not the sort to be dispatched without a struggle, however. Recognizing Grimes as an obstacle, but not as a rival, he once more donned his armor and beset Barbara with all the zest of a champion who seeks to protect and not to conquer. He regarded the Californian as an impostor and summary action was necessary. "I know all about him, Babs," he said one day after he felt sure of his position. "Why, his father was honored by the V. C, on the coast in '49." "The Victoria Cross?" asked Barbara, innocently.

"No, the vigilance committee." In this way Monty routed the enemy and cleared the field before the end of another week. Grimes transferred his objectionable affection and Barbara was not even asked to be wife number three. Brewster's campaign was so ardent that he neglected other duties deplorably, falling far behind his improvident average. With Grimes disposed of, he once more forsook the battlefield of love and gave his harassed and undivided attention to his own peculiar business.

The fast-and-loose game displeased Miss Barbara greatly. She was at first surprised, then piqued, then resentful. Monty gradually awoke to the distressing fact that she was going to be intractable, as he put it, and forthwith undertook to smooth the troubled sea. To his amazement and concern she was not to be appeased.

"Does it occur to you, Monty," she said, with a gentle coldness that was infinitely worse than heat, "that you have been carrying things with a pretty high hand? Where did you acquire the right to interfere with my privileges? You seem to think that I am not to speak to any man but you." "O, come now, Babs," retorted Monty, "I've not been quite as unreasonable as that. And you know yourself that Grimes is the worst kind of a bounder." "I know nothing of the sort," replied the lady, with growing irritation. "You say that about every man who gives me a smile or a flower. Does it indicate such atrocious taste?" "Don't be silly, Barbara. You know perfectly well that you have talked to Gardner and that idiot Valentine by the hour, and I've not said a word. But there are some things I can't stand, and the impertinence of Grimes is one of them. Jove! he looked at you, out of those fishy eyes, sometimes as though he owned you. If you knew how many times I've fairly ached to knock him down!" Inwardly Barbara was weakening a little before his masterfulness. But she gave no sign.

"And it never occurred to you," she said, with that exasperating coldness of the voice, "that I was equal to the situation. I suppose you thought Mr. Grimes had only to beckon and I would joyfully answer. I'll have you know, Monty Brewster, right now, that I am quite able to choose my friends, and to handle them. Mr. Grimes has character and I like him. He has seen more of life in a year of his strenuous career than you ever dreamed of in all your pampered existence. His life has been real, Monty Brewster, and yours is only an imitation." It struck him hard, but it left him gentle.

"Babs," he said, softly, "I can't take that from you. You don't really mean it, do you? Am I as bad as that?" It was a moment for dominance, and he missed it. His gentleness left her cold.

"Monty," she exclaimed irritably, "you are terribly exasperating. Do make up your mind that you and your million are not the only things in the world." His blood was up now, but it flung him away from her.

"Some day, perhaps, you'll find out that there is not much besides. I am just a little too big, for one thing, to be played with and thrown aside. I won't stand it." He left the house with his head high in the air, angry red in his cheeks, and a feeling in his heart that she was the most unreasonable of women. Barbara, in the meantime, cried herself to sleep, vowing she would never love Monty Brewster again as long as she lived.

A sharp cutting wind was blowing in Monty's face as he left the house. He was thoroughly wretched.

"Throw up your hands!" came hoarsely from somewhere, and there was no tenderness in the tones. For an instant Monty was dazed and bewildered, but in the next he saw two shadowy figures walking beside him. "Stop where you are, young fellow," was the next command, and he stopped short. He was in a mood to fight, but the sight of a revolver made him think again. Monty was not a coward, neither was he a fool. He was quick to see that a struggle would be madness.

"What do you want?" he demanded as coolly as his nerves would permit.

"Put up your hands quick!" and he hastily obeyed the injunction.

"Not a sound out of you or you get it good and proper. You know what we want. Get to work, Bill; I'll watch his hands." "Help yourselves, boys. I'm not fool enough to scrap about it. Don't hit me or shoot, that's all. Be quick about it, because I'll take cold if my overcoat is open long. How's business been to-night?" Brewster was to all intents and purposes the calmest man in New York.

"Fierce!" said the one who was doing the searching. "You're the first guy we've seen in a week that looks good." "I hope you won't be disappointed," said Monty, genially. "If I'd expected this I might have brought more money." "I guess we'll be satisfied," chuckled the man with the revolver. "You're awful nice and kind, mister, and maybe you wouldn't object to tellin' us when you'll be up dis way ag'in." "It's a pleasure to do business with you, pardner," said the other, dropping Monty's $300 watch in his. pocket. "We'll leave car-fare for you for your honesty." His hands were running through Brewster's pockets with the quickness of a machine. "You don't go much on jewelry, I guess. Are dese shoit buttons de real t'ing?" "They're pearls," said Monty, cheerfully. "My favorite jool," said the man with the revolver. "Clip 'em out, Bill." "Don't cut the shirt," urged Monty. "I'm going to a little supper and I don't like the idea of a punctured shirt-front." "I'll be as careful as I kin, mister. There, I guess dat's all. Shall I call a cab for you, sir?" "No, thank you, I think I'll walk." "Well, just walk south a hundred steps without lookin' 'round er yellin' and you kin save your skin. I guess you know what I mean, pardner." "I'm sure I do. Good-night." "Good-night," came in chuckles from the two hold-up men. But Brewster hesitated, a sharp thought penetrating his mind.

"By gad!" he exclaimed, "you chaps are very careless. Do you know you've missed a roll of three hundred dollars in this overcoat pocket?" The men gasped and the spasmodic oaths that came from them were born of incredulity. It was plain that they doubted their ears.

"Say it ag'in," muttered Bill, in bewildered tones. "He's stringin' us, Bill," said the other. "Sure," growled Bill. "It's a nice way to treat us, mister. Move along now and don't turn 'round." "Well, you're a couple of nice highwaymen," cried Monty in disgust. "Sh--not so loud." "That is no way to attend to business. Do you expect me to go down in my pocket and hand you the goods on a silver tray?" "Keep your hands up! You don't woik dat game on me. You got a gun there." "No, I haven't. This is on the level. You over-looked a roll of bills in your haste and I'm not the sort of fellow to see an earnest endeavorer get the worst of it. My hands are up. See for yourself if I'm not telling you the truth." "What kind of game is dis?" growled Bill, dazed and bewildered. "I'm blowed if I know w'at to t'ink o' you," cried he in honest amazement. "You don't act drunk, and you ain't crazy, but there's somethin' wrong wid you. Are you givin' it to us straight about de wad?" "You can find out easily." "Well, I hate to do it, boss, but I guess we'll just take de overcoat and all. It looks like a trick and we takes no chances. Off wid de coat." Monty's coat came off in a jiffy and he stood shivering before the dumfounded robbers. "We'll leave de coat at de next corner, pardner. It's cold and you need it more'n we do. You're de limit, you are. So long. Walk right straight ahead and don't yell." Brewster found his coat a few minutes later, and went whistling away into the night. The roll of bills was gone.

Chapter 11. Coals of Fire Capitolo|Carbonella|di|Fuoco Capitolo 11. Carbone ardente

Brewster bobbed uncertainly between two emotions--elation and distress. Brewster|oscillava|incerto|tra|due|emozioni|esaltazione|e|angoscia Brewster oscillava incertamente tra due emozioni--esaltazione e angoscia. He had achieved two kinds of success--the desired and the undesired. Lui|aveva|raggiunto|due|tipi|di|successo|il|desiderato|e|il|non desiderato Aveva raggiunto due tipi di successo--quello desiderato e quello indesiderato. It was but natural that he should feel proud of the distinction the venture had brought to him on one hand, but there was reason for despair over the acquisition of $50,000. Esso|era|ma|naturale|che|lui|dovrebbe|sentire|orgoglioso|di|il|distinzione|il|impresa|aveva|portato|a|lui|su|uno|mano|ma|c'era|era|motivo|per|disperazione|su|il|acquisizione|di Era naturale che si sentisse orgoglioso della distinzione che l'iniziativa gli aveva portato da un lato, ma c'era motivo di disperazione per l'acquisizione di 50.000 dollari. It made it necessary for him to undertake an almost superhuman feat--increase the number of his January bills. Lo|ha reso|lo|necessario|per|lui|di|intraprendere|un|quasi|sovrumano|impresa|aumentare|il|numero|di|suoi|gennaio|bollette Questo rese necessario per lui intraprendere un'impresa quasi sovrumana: aumentare il numero delle sue fatture di gennaio. The plans for the ensuing spring and summer were dimly getting into shape and they covered many startling projects. Il|piani|per|la|successivo|primavera|e|estate|erano|vagamente|prendendo|in|forma|e|essi|coprivano|molti|sorprendenti|progetti I piani per la prossima primavera e estate stavano lentamente prendendo forma e coprivano molti progetti sorprendenti. Since confiding some of them to "Nopper" Harrison, that gentleman had worn a never-decreasing look of worry and anxiety in his eyes. Da quando|confidando|alcuni|di|loro|a||Harrison|quel|signore|aveva|indossato|un|||sguardo|di|preoccupazione|e|ansia|nei|suoi|occhi Da quando aveva confidato alcuni di essi a "Nopper" Harrison, quel gentiluomo aveva indossato un'espressione di preoccupazione e ansia che non diminuiva mai nei suoi occhi. Rawles added to his despair a day or two after the Stock Exchange misfortune. Rawles|aggiunse|a|suo|disperazione|un|giorno|o|due|dopo|il|Stock|Exchange|sfortuna Rawles aggiunse alla sua disperazione un giorno o due dopo la sventura della Borsa. He brought up the information that six splendid little puppies had come to bless his Boston terrier family, and Joe Bragdon, who was present, enthusiastically predicted that he could get $100 apiece for them. Lui|portò|su|il|informazione|che|sei|splendidi|piccoli|cuccioli|avevano|venuti|a|benedire|suo|Boston|terrier|famiglia|e|Joe|Bragdon|che|era|presente|entusiasticamente|predisse|che|lui|potrebbe|ottenere|ciascuno|per|loro Portò la notizia che sei splendidi cuccioli erano venuti a benedire la sua famiglia di terrier di Boston, e Joe Bragdon, che era presente, previde con entusiasmo che avrebbe potuto ottenere 100 dollari l'uno per loro. Brewster loved dogs, yet for one single horrible moment he longed to massacre the helpless little creatures. Brewster|amava|i cani|eppure|per|uno|singolo|orribile|momento|lui|desiderava ardentemente|di|massacrare|i|indifesi|piccoli|creature Brewster amava i cani, eppure per un singolo orribile momento desiderò massacrare le piccole creature indifese. But the old affection came back to him, and he hurried out with Bragdon to inspect the brood. Ma|il|vecchio|affetto|tornò|indietro|a|lui|e|lui|si affrettò|fuori|con|Bragdon|a|ispezionare|il|covata Ma il vecchio affetto tornò da lui, e si affrettò a uscire con Bragdon per ispezionare la cucciolata.

"And I've either got to sell them or kill them," he groaned. "E devo o venderli o ucciderli," gemette. Later on he instructed Bragdon to sell the pups for $25 apiece, and went away, ashamed to look their proud mother in the face. più tardi|su|lui|istruì|Bragdon|di|vendere|i|cuccioli|per|ciascuno|e|andò|via|vergognato|di|guardare|la loro|orgogliosa|madre|in|il|faccia Più tardi istrusse Bragdon a vendere i cuccioli per 25 dollari l'uno, e se ne andò, vergognoso di guardare la loro orgogliosa madre in faccia.

Fortune smiled on him before the day was over, however. Fortuna|sorrise|su|lui|prima|il|giorno|fu|finito|tuttavia La fortuna gli sorrise prima che la giornata finisse, tuttavia. He took "Subway" Smith for a ride in the "Green Juggernaut," bad weather and bad roads notwithstanding. Lui|portò|||per|un|giro|in|il|Verde|Juggernaut|cattivo|tempo|e|cattivo|strade|nonostante Portò "Subway" Smith a fare un giro nel "Green Juggernaut," nonostante il maltempo e le strade in cattive condizioni. Monty lost control of the machine and headed for a subway excavation. Monty|perso|controllo|di|il|macchina|e|si è diretto|per|una|metropolitana|scavo Monty ha perso il controllo della macchina e si è diretto verso un'escavazione della metropolitana. He and Smith saved themselves by leaping to the pavement, sustaining slight bruises, but the great machine crashed through the barricade and dropped to the bottom of the trench far below. Lui|e|Smith|salvarono|se stessi|saltando|saltando|sul|il|marciapiede|riportando|lievi|contusioni|ma|la|grande|macchina|si schiantò|attraverso|la|barricata|e|cadde|sul|il|fondo|del|il|trincea|lontano|sotto Lui e Smith si sono salvati saltando sul marciapiede, subendo lievi contusioni, ma la grande macchina ha sfondato la barricata ed è caduta sul fondo della trincea molto sotto. To Smith's grief and Brewster's delight the automobile was hopelessly ruined, a clear loss of many thousands. A|di Smith|dolore|e|di Brewster|gioia|la|automobile|era|irrimediabilmente|rovinata|una|chiara|perdita|di|molti|migliaia Con grande dolore di Smith e gioia di Brewster, l'automobile era irrimediabilmente distrutta, una chiara perdita di molte migliaia. Monty's joy was short-lived, for it was soon learned that three luckless workmen down in the depths had been badly injured by the green meteor from above. La gioia di Monty|la gioia|era|||perché|essa|era|presto|appreso|che|tre|sfortunati|operai|giù|nelle|le|profondità|avevano|sono stati|gravemente|feriti|da|il|verde|meteorite|dal|dall'alto La gioia di Monty è stata di breve durata, poiché si è presto appreso che tre sfortunati operai giù nelle profondità erano stati gravemente feriti dal meteorite verde dall'alto. The mere fact that Brewster could and did pay liberally for the relief of the poor fellows afforded him little consolation. Il|semplice|fatto|che|Brewster|poteva|e|fece|pagare|generosamente|per|il|soccorso|di|i|poveri|compagni|forniva|a lui|poco|consolazione Il semplice fatto che Brewster potesse e pagasse generosamente per l'assistenza ai poveri non gli dava molta consolazione. His carelessness, and possibly his indifference, had brought suffering to these men and their families which was not pleasant to look back upon. il suo|negligenza|e|possibilmente|il suo|indifferenza|aveva|portato|sofferenza|a|questi|uomini|e|loro|famiglie|che|era|non|piacevole|a|guardare|indietro|su La sua negligenza, e forse la sua indifferenza, avevano portato sofferenza a questi uomini e alle loro famiglie, che non era piacevole da ricordare. Lawsuits were avoided by compromises. Cause legali|sono stati|evitati|da|compromessi Le cause legali venivano evitate tramite compromessi. Each of the injured men received $4,000. Ciascuno|di|i|feriti|uomini|ricevuto Ognuno degli uomini feriti ricevette $4.000.

At this time every one was interested in the charity bazaar at the Astoria. A|questo|tempo|ogni|uno|era|interessato|a|il|beneficenza|bazar|al|l'|Astoria In questo momento tutti erano interessati al bazar di beneficenza all'Astoria. Society was on exhibition, and the public paid for the privilege of gazing at the men and women whose names filled the society columns. Società|era|su|mostra|e|la|pubblico|pagato|per|la|privilegio|di|guardare|a|i|uomini|e|donne|i cui|nomi|riempivano|le|società|colonne La società era in mostra, e il pubblico pagava per il privilegio di osservare gli uomini e le donne i cui nomi riempivano le colonne della società. Brewster frequented the booth presided over by Miss Drew, and there seemed to be no end to his philanthropy. Brewster|frequentava|il|banco|presieduto|da|da|Miss|Drew|e|lì|sembrava|di|essere|nessun|fine|a|suo|filantropia Brewster frequentava lo stand presieduto dalla signorina Drew, e sembrava non esserci fine alla sua filantropia. The bazaar lasted two days and nights, and after that period his account-book showed an even "profit" of nearly $3,000. Il|bazar|è durato|due|giorni|e|notti|e|dopo|quel|periodo|suo|||mostrava|un|pari|profitto|di|quasi Il bazar durò due giorni e due notti, e dopo quel periodo il suo libro contabile mostrava un "profitto" netto di quasi $3.000. Monty's serenity, however, was considerably ruffled by the appearance of a new and aggressive claimant for the smiles of the fair Barbara. di Monty|serenità|tuttavia|era|notevolmente|turbata|dall'|la|comparsa|di|una|nuova|e|aggressiva|pretendente|per|le|sorrisi|di|la|bella|Barbara La serenità di Monty, tuttavia, fu notevolmente turbata dall'apparizione di un nuovo e aggressivo pretendente per i sorrisi della bella Barbara. He was a Californian of immense wealth and unbounded confidence in himself, and letters to people in New York had given him a certain entree. Lui|era|un|californiano|di|immenso|ricchezza|e|illimitato|fiducia|in|se stesso|e|lettere|a|persone|a|New|York|aveva|dato|a lui|una|certa|entrata Era un californiano di immensa ricchezza e di illimitata fiducia in se stesso, e lettere a persone a New York gli avevano dato una certa entrata. The triumphs in love and finance that had come with his two score years and ten had demolished every vestige of timidity that may have been born with him. Il|trionfi|in|amore|e|finanza|che|aveva|venuto|con|suo|due|punteggio|anni|e|dieci|aveva|demolito|ogni|vestigia|di|timidezza|che|può|avere|stato|nato|con|lui I trionfi in amore e finanza che erano arrivati con i suoi due decenni e dieci anni avevano demolito ogni vestigia di timidezza che potesse essere nata con lui. He was successful enough in the world of finance to have become four or five times a millionaire, and he had fared so well in love that twice he had been a widower. Lui|era|di successo|abbastanza|nel|il|mondo|di|finanza|per|avere|diventato|quattro|o|cinque|volte|un|milionario|e|lui|aveva|cavarsela|così|bene|in|amore|che|due volte|lui|aveva|stato|un|vedovo Era abbastanza di successo nel mondo della finanza da essere diventato quattro o cinque volte milionario, e aveva avuto così tanto successo in amore che due volte era stato vedovo. Rodney Grimes was starting out to win Barbara with the same dash and impulsiveness that overcame Mary Farrell, the cook in the mining-camp, and Jane Boothroyd, the school-teacher, who came to California ready to marry the first man who asked her. Rodney|Grimes|era|iniziava|fuori|a|conquistare|Barbara|con|la|stessa|slancio|e|impetuosità|che|superò|Mary|Farrell|la|cuoca|in|il|||e|Jane|Boothroyd|la|||che|venne|in|California|pronta|a|sposare|il|primo|uomo|che|le chiese|lei Rodney Grimes stava iniziando a conquistare Barbara con lo stesso slancio e impulsività che avevano sopraffatto Mary Farrell, la cuoca del campo minerario, e Jane Boothroyd, l'insegnante, che era venuta in California pronta a sposare il primo uomo che le avesse chiesto. He was a penniless prospector when he married Mary, and when he led Jane to the altar she rejoiced in having captured a husband worth at least $50,000. Lui|era|un|senza soldi|cercatore|quando|lui|sposò|Mary|e|quando|lui|condusse|Jane|all'|l'|altare|lei|si rallegrò|nel|aver|catturato|un|marito|del valore di|almeno|meno Era un cercatore d'oro senza un soldo quando sposò Mary, e quando portò Jane all'altare, lei si rallegrava di aver catturato un marito del valore di almeno $50.000.

He vied with Brewster in patronizing Barbara's booth, and he rushed into the conflict with an impetuosity that seemed destined to carry everything before it. Lui|gareggiava|con|Brewster|in|patronizzando|di Barbara|bancarella|e|lui|si precipitò|in|la|conflitto|con|una|impetuosità|che|sembrava|destinata|a|portare|tutto|davanti|a sé Si confrontava con Brewster nel sostenere il banco di Barbara, e si lanciò nel conflitto con un'impetuosità che sembrava destinata a travolgere tutto. Monty was brushed aside, Barbara was preempted as if she were a mining claim and ten days after his arrival in New York, Grimes was the most talked-of man in town. Monty|era|spazzolato|da parte|Barbara|era|prevenuta|come|se|lei|fosse|una|mineraria|pretesa|e|dieci|giorni|dopo|il suo|arrivo|a|New|York|Grimes|era|il|più|||uomo|in|città Monty fu messo da parte, Barbara fu prelevata come se fosse una concessione mineraria e dieci giorni dopo il suo arrivo a New York, Grimes era l'uomo più chiacchierato della città. Brewster was not the sort to be dispatched without a struggle, however. Brewster|era|non|il|tipo|di|essere|inviato|senza|una|lotta|tuttavia Brewster non era il tipo da essere mandato via senza una lotta, però. Recognizing Grimes as an obstacle, but not as a rival, he once more donned his armor and beset Barbara with all the zest of a champion who seeks to protect and not to conquer. Riconoscendo|Grimes|come|un|ostacolo|ma|non|come|un|rivale|lui|una volta|di più|indossò|il suo|armatura|e|assalì|Barbara|con|tutto|il|entusiasmo|di|un|campione|che|cerca|di|proteggere|e|non|di|conquistare Riconoscendo Grimes come un ostacolo, ma non come un rivale, indossò ancora una volta la sua armatura e assalì Barbara con tutto lo slancio di un campione che cerca di proteggere e non di conquistare. He regarded the Californian as an impostor and summary action was necessary. Lui|considerava|il|californiano|come|un|impostore|e|sommario|azione|era|necessaria Considerava il californiano un impostore e un'azione sommaria era necessaria. "I know all about him, Babs," he said one day after he felt sure of his position. Io|so|tutto|su|lui|Babs|lui|disse|uno|giorno|dopo|lui|sentì|sicuro|di|suo|posizione "So tutto su di lui, Babs," disse un giorno dopo essersi sentito sicuro della sua posizione. "Why, his father was honored by the V. C, on the coast in '49." Perché|suo|padre|era|onorato|da|il|||sulla|la|costa|in "Perché, suo padre fu onorato dal V. C, sulla costa nel '49." "The Victoria Cross?" Il|Victoria|Croce "La Croce di Vittoria?" asked Barbara, innocently. chiese|Barbara|innocente chiese Barbara, innocente.

"No, the vigilance committee." No|il|vigilanza|comitato "No, il comitato di vigilanza." In this way Monty routed the enemy and cleared the field before the end of another week. In|questo|modo|Monty|sconfisse|il|nemico|e|sgombrò|il|campo|prima|la|fine|di|un altro|settimana In questo modo Monty sconfisse il nemico e liberò il campo prima della fine di un'altra settimana. Grimes transferred his objectionable affection and Barbara was not even asked to be wife number three. Grimes|trasferì|il suo|riprovevole|affetto|e|Barbara|fu|non|nemmeno|chiesto|di|essere|moglie|numero|tre Grimes trasferì il suo affetto sgradito e Barbara non fu nemmeno invitata a diventare la moglie numero tre. Brewster's campaign was so ardent that he neglected other duties deplorably, falling far behind his improvident average. La campagna di Brewster|campagna|era|così|ardente|che|lui|trascurava|altri|doveri|deprecabilmente|cadendo|molto|indietro|suo|improvido|media La campagna di Brewster era così ardente che trascurò deplorevolmente altri doveri, rimanendo molto indietro rispetto alla sua media imprudente. With Grimes disposed of, he once more forsook the battlefield of love and gave his harassed and undivided attention to his own peculiar business. Con|Grimes|disposto|di|lui|una volta|di più||il|campo di battaglia|di|amore|e|diede|il suo|tormentato|e|non diviso|attenzione|a|il suo|proprio|particolare|affari Con Grimes sistemato, abbandonò ancora una volta il campo di battaglia dell'amore e dedicò la sua attenzione afflitta e indivisa al suo particolare affare.

The fast-and-loose game displeased Miss Barbara greatly. Il|veloce|e|sciolto|gioco|ha scontentato|Signorina|Barbara|molto Il gioco del fast-and-loose dispiaceva molto a Miss Barbara. She was at first surprised, then piqued, then resentful. Lei|era|a|prima|sorpresa|poi|irritata|poi|risentita All'inizio era sorpresa, poi irritata, poi risentita. Monty gradually awoke to the distressing fact that she was going to be intractable, as he put it, and forthwith undertook to smooth the troubled sea. Monty|gradualmente|si svegliò|a|la|angosciante|realtà|che|lei|era|stava per|a|essere|inarrestabile|come|lui|disse|lo|e|immediatamente|si impegnò|a|a lisciare|il|turbato|mare Monty si rese gradualmente conto del fatto angosciante che lei sarebbe stata inarrestabile, come lui stesso lo mise, e subito si impegnò a placare il mare in tempesta. To his amazement and concern she was not to be appeased. A|suo|stupore|e|preoccupazione|lei|era|non|a|essere|placata Con sua grande sorpresa e preoccupazione, non era possibile placarla.

"Does it occur to you, Monty," she said, with a gentle coldness that was infinitely worse than heat, "that you have been carrying things with a pretty high hand? Ti|ciò|accade|a|te|Monty|lei|disse|con|una|gentile|freddezza|che|era|infinitamente|peggiore|di|calore|che|tu|hai|stato|portando|cose|con|una|abbastanza|alta|mano "Ti viene in mente, Monty," disse, con una fredda dolcezza che era infinitamente peggiore del calore, "che hai portato le cose con una certa arroganza? Where did you acquire the right to interfere with my privileges? Dove|hai|tu|acquisire|il|diritto|di|interferire|con|mio|privilegi Dove hai acquisito il diritto di interferire con i miei privilegi? You seem to think that I am not to speak to any man but you." Tu|sembri|di|pensare|che|io|sono|non|di|parlare|a|nessun|uomo|se non|te Sembri pensare che non debba parlare con nessun uomo tranne te." "O, come now, Babs," retorted Monty, "I've not been quite as unreasonable as that. Oh|vieni|ora|Babs|ribatté|Monty|non sono stato|non|stato|proprio|come|irragionevole|come|quello "Oh, dai, Babs," ribatté Monty, "non sono stato così irragionevole." And you know yourself that Grimes is the worst kind of a bounder." E tu|tu|sai|te stesso|che|Grimes|è|il|peggiore|tipo|di|un|mascalzone E sai bene che Grimes è il peggior tipo di imbroglione. "I know nothing of the sort," replied the lady, with growing irritation. Io|so|niente|di|il|genere|rispose|la|signora|con|crescente|irritazione "Non so nulla del genere," rispose la signora, con crescente irritazione. "You say that about every man who gives me a smile or a flower. Tu|dici|quello|su|ogni|uomo|che|dà|a me|un|sorriso|o|un|fiore "Lo dici di ogni uomo che mi regala un sorriso o un fiore. Does it indicate such atrocious taste?" fa|lo|indica|tale|atroce|gusto Indica un gusto così atroce?" "Don't be silly, Barbara. Non|essere|sciocco|Barbara "Non essere sciocca, Barbara. You know perfectly well that you have talked to Gardner and that idiot Valentine by the hour, and I've not said a word. Tu|sai|perfettamente|bene|che|tu|hai|parlato|con|Gardner|e|che|idiota|Valentine|per|l'|ora|e|io ho|non|detto|una|parola Sai benissimo che hai parlato con Gardner e quel idiota di Valentine per ore, e io non ho detto una parola. But there are some things I can't stand, and the impertinence of Grimes is one of them. Ma|ci sono|sono|alcune|cose|io|non posso|sopportare|e|la|impertinenza|di|Grimes|è|uno|di|loro Ma ci sono alcune cose che non posso sopportare, e l'impertinenza di Grimes è una di esse. Jove! Giove Giove! he looked at you, out of those fishy eyes, sometimes as though he owned you. lui|guardava|a|te|fuori|di|quegli|sospetti|occhi|a volte|come|sebbene|lui|possedesse|te ti guardava, da quegli occhi da pesce, a volte come se ti possedesse. If you knew how many times I've fairly ached to knock him down!" Se|tu|sapessi|come|tante|volte|ho|abbastanza|sofferto|di|colpire|lui|giù Se sapessi quante volte ho desiderato davvero di buttarlo giù! Inwardly Barbara was weakening a little before his masterfulness. interiormente|Barbara|stava|indebolendo|un|po'|prima|suo|padronanza Dentro di sé Barbara stava cedendo un po' di fronte alla sua padronanza. But she gave no sign. Ma|lei|diede|nessun|segno Ma non diede alcun segno.

"And it never occurred to you," she said, with that exasperating coldness of the voice, "that I was equal to the situation. E|esso|mai|è accaduto|a|te|lei|disse|con|quella|esasperante|freddezza|della|la|voce|che|io|ero|all'altezza|di|la|situazione "E non ti è mai venuto in mente," disse, con quella voce gelida e frustrante, "che fossi all'altezza della situazione. I suppose you thought Mr. Grimes had only to beckon and I would joyfully answer. Io|suppongo|tu|pensavi||Grimes|aveva|solo|a|fare cenno|e|io|avrei|gioiosamente|rispondere Suppongo che pensassi che il signor Grimes dovesse solo fare un cenno e io avrei risposto gioiosamente. I'll have you know, Monty Brewster, right now, that I am quite able to choose my friends, and to handle them. |ho|tu|sapere|Monty|Brewster|proprio|adesso|che|io|sono|abbastanza|capace|di|scegliere|i miei|amici|e|di|gestire|loro Voglio farti sapere, Monty Brewster, proprio ora, che sono perfettamente in grado di scegliere i miei amici e di gestirli. Mr. Grimes has character and I like him. |Grimes|ha|carattere|e|io|mi piace|lui Il signor Grimes ha carattere e mi piace. He has seen more of life in a year of his strenuous career than you ever dreamed of in all your pampered existence. Lui|ha|visto|più|di|vita|in|un|anno|di|suo|faticoso|carriera|di|tu|mai|sognato|di|in|tutto|tuo|viziato|esistenza Ha visto più della vita in un anno della sua faticosa carriera di quanto tu abbia mai sognato in tutta la tua esistenza viziata. His life has been real, Monty Brewster, and yours is only an imitation." Il suo|vita|è stata|stata|reale|Monty|Brewster|e|il tuo|è|solo|una|imitazione La sua vita è stata reale, Monty Brewster, e la tua è solo un'imitazione. It struck him hard, but it left him gentle. Lo|colpì|lui|duramente|ma|lo|lasciò|lui|gentile Lo colpì duramente, ma lo lasciò gentile.

"Monty," she exclaimed irritably, "you are terribly exasperating. Monty|lei|esclamò|irritata|tu|sei|terribilmente|esasperante "Monty," esclamò irritata, "sei terribilmente esasperante. Do make up your mind that you and your million are not the only things in the world." Fare|fare|su|il tuo|mente|che|tu|e|il tuo|milione|sono|non|il|solo|cose|in|il|mondo Decidi che tu e il tuo milione non siete le uniche cose al mondo." His blood was up now, but it flung him away from her. il suo|sangue|era|su|ora|ma|esso|lo scagliò|lui|via|da|lei Il suo sangue era in ebollizione ora, ma lo allontanò da lei.

"Throw up your hands!" Gettare|su|le tue|mani "Alza le mani!" came hoarsely from somewhere, and there was no tenderness in the tones. venne|rauca|da|da qualche parte|e|c'era|era|nessuna|tenerezza|nelle|le|tonalità venne da qualche parte con voce rauca, e non c'era tenerezza nei toni. For an instant Monty was dazed and bewildered, but in the next he saw two shadowy figures walking beside him. Per|un|istante|Monty|era|stordito|e|confuso|ma|in|il|prossimo|lui|vide|due|ombrose|figure|camminare|accanto|a lui Per un istante Monty era stordito e confuso, ma nel momento successivo vide due figure ombrose camminare accanto a lui. "Stop where you are, young fellow," was the next command, and he stopped short. Fermati|dove|tu|sei|giovane|amico|era|il|prossimo|comando|e|lui|si fermò|bruscamente "Fermati dove sei, giovane," fu il prossimo comando, e lui si fermò di colpo. He was in a mood to fight, but the sight of a revolver made him think again. Lui|era|in|un|stato d'animo|di|combattere|ma|la|vista|di|un|revolver|lo fece|lui|pensare|di nuovo Era dell'umore di combattere, ma la vista di una pistola lo fece riflettere. Monty was not a coward, neither was he a fool. Monty|era|non|un|codardo|né|era|lui|un|sciocco Monty non era un codardo, né era un idiota. He was quick to see that a struggle would be madness. Lui|era|rapido|a|vedere|che|una|lotta|sarebbe|essere|follia Si rese subito conto che una lotta sarebbe stata follia.

"Not a sound out of you or you get it good and proper. non|una|parola|fuori|di|te|o|tu|ottenere|lo|bene|e|come si deve "Nessun suono da te o te la cavi bene e a modo. You know what we want. Tu|sai|cosa|noi|vogliamo Sai cosa vogliamo. Get to work, Bill; I'll watch his hands." ottenere|a|lavoro|Bill|io lo farò|guardare|le sue|mani Mettiti al lavoro, Bill; io guarderò le sue mani." "Help yourselves, boys. Aiutatevi|voi stessi|ragazzi "Servitevi, ragazzi. I'm not fool enough to scrap about it. Io sono|non|sciocco|abbastanza|per|litigare|su|esso Non sono abbastanza sciocco da litigare per questo. Don't hit me or shoot, that's all. Non|colpire|me|o|sparare|questo è|tutto Non colpitemi o sparate, tutto qui. Be quick about it, because I'll take cold if my overcoat is open long. Sii|veloce|circa|esso|perché|io lo farò|prenderò|freddo|se|il mio|cappotto|è|aperto|a lungo Fate in fretta, perché prenderò freddo se il mio cappotto è aperto a lungo. How's business been to-night?" Come è|affari|stato|| Com'è andato il lavoro stasera? Brewster was to all intents and purposes the calmest man in New York. Brewster|era|per|tutto|intenti|e|scopi|il|più calmo|uomo|in|New|York Brewster era, a tutti gli effetti, l'uomo più calmo di New York.

"Fierce!" Feroce "Feroce!" said the one who was doing the searching. disse|il|uno|che|era|facendo|la|ricerca disse colui che stava cercando. "You're the first guy we've seen in a week that looks good." |il|primo|ragazzo|abbiamo|visto|in|una|settimana|che|sembra|buono "Sei il primo ragazzo che abbiamo visto in una settimana che sembra in forma." "I hope you won't be disappointed," said Monty, genially. Io|spero|tu|non|essere|deluso|disse|Monty|cordialmente "Spero che non sarai deluso," disse Monty, cordialmente. "If I'd expected this I might have brought more money." Se|avessi|aspettato|questo|io|potrei|avere|portato|più|soldi "Se avessi previsto questo, avrei potuto portare più soldi." "I guess we'll be satisfied," chuckled the man with the revolver. Io|suppongo|saremo|essere|soddisfatti|rise|l'|uomo|con|il|revolver "Immagino che saremo soddisfatti," rise l'uomo con il revolver. "You're awful nice and kind, mister, and maybe you wouldn't object to tellin' us when you'll be up dis way ag'in." |terribilmente|gentile|e|gentile|signore|e|forse|tu|non vorresti|obiettare|a||a noi|quando|tu lo farai|essere|su|questa|strada|di nuovo "Sei davvero gentile e cortese, signore, e forse non ti dispiacerebbe dirci quando sarai di nuovo da queste parti." "It's a pleasure to do business with you, pardner," said the other, dropping Monty's $300 watch in his. È|un|piacere|di|fare|affari|con|te|amico|disse|l'|altro|lasciando cadere|di Monty|orologio|nel|suo "È un piacere fare affari con te, amico," disse l'altro, lasciando cadere l'orologio da 300 dollari di Monty nella sua. pocket. tasca tasca. "We'll leave car-fare for you for your honesty." "Lasceremo il costo del viaggio per te per la tua onestà." His hands were running through Brewster's pockets with the quickness of a machine. Il suo|mani|erano|scorrevano|attraverso|di Brewster|tasche|con|la|rapidità|di|una|macchina Le sue mani scorrevano attraverso le tasche di Brewster con la rapidità di una macchina. "You don't go much on jewelry, I guess. Tu|non|vai|molto|su|gioielli|io|suppongo "Non sei molto interessato ai gioielli, immagino. Are dese shoit buttons de real t'ing?" Sono|questi|bottoni|bottoni|di|veri|cosa "Questi bottoni sono davvero autentici?" "They're pearls," said Monty, cheerfully. Sono|perle|disse|Monty|allegramente "Sono perle," disse Monty, allegramente. "My favorite jool," said the man with the revolver. Il mio|preferito|gioiello|disse|il|uomo|con|il|revolver "Il mio gioiello preferito," disse l'uomo con la pistola. "Clip 'em out, Bill." Taglia||fuori|Bill "Falli fuori, Bill." "Don't cut the shirt," urged Monty. Non tagliare|tagliare|la|camicia|esortò|Monty "Non tagliare la camicia," esortò Monty. "I'm going to a little supper and I don't like the idea of a punctured shirt-front." Io sto|andando|a|un|piccolo|cena|e|io|non|mi piace|l'idea|idea|di|un|bucato|| "Vado a una piccola cena e non mi piace l'idea di una camicia con un buco." "I'll be as careful as I kin, mister. "Farò del mio meglio, signore." There, I guess dat's all. Lì|Io|supporre|che è|tutto "Ecco, penso che sia tutto." Shall I call a cab for you, sir?" dovrei|io|chiamare|un|taxi|per|lei|signore "Posso chiamare un taxi per lei, signore?" "No, thank you, I think I'll walk." No|grazie|tu|io|penso|io lo farò|camminerò "No, grazie, penso che camminerò." "Well, just walk south a hundred steps without lookin' 'round er yellin' and you kin save your skin. "Bene, cammina a sud per cento passi senza guardarti intorno o urlare e potrai salvarti la pelle." I guess you know what I mean, pardner." Io|supporre|tu|sapere|cosa|io|intendo|amico "Immagino tu sappia cosa intendo, amico." "I'm sure I do. |sicuro|io|faccio "Sono sicuro di saperlo." Good-night." Buona|notte "Buonanotte." "Good-night," came in chuckles from the two hold-up men. ||venne|in|risate|da|i|due|||uomini "Buona notte," venne in risate dai due rapinatori. But Brewster hesitated, a sharp thought penetrating his mind. Ma|Brewster|esitava|un|acuto|pensiero|penetrante|suo|mente Ma Brewster esitò, un pensiero acuto penetrò nella sua mente.

"By gad!" per|dio "Perbacco!" he exclaimed, "you chaps are very careless. lui|esclamò|voi|ragazzi|siete|molto|negligenti esclamò, "siete molto negligenti, ragazzi." Do you know you've missed a roll of three hundred dollars in this overcoat pocket?" Sai|||hai|perso|un|rotolo|di|tre|cento|dollari|in|questo|cappotto|tasca Sai che hai perso un rotolo di trecento dollari in questa tasca del soprabito? The men gasped and the spasmodic oaths that came from them were born of incredulity. Il|uomini|ansimavano|e|i|spasmodici|giuramenti|che|venivano|da|loro|erano|nati|di|incredulità Gli uomini rimasero senza parole e i giuramenti spasmodici che uscirono da loro erano nati dall'incredulità. It was plain that they doubted their ears. Era|era|chiaro|che|loro|dubitavano|le loro|orecchie Era chiaro che dubitavano delle loro orecchie.

"Say it ag'in," muttered Bill, in bewildered tones. dire|lo|di nuovo|mormorò|Bill|in|confuso|toni "Dillo di nuovo," mormorò Bill, con toni confusi. "He's stringin' us, Bill," said the other. Lui sta||noi|Bill|disse|l'altro|altro "Ci sta prendendo in giro, Bill," disse l'altro. "Sure," growled Bill. Certo|ringhiò|Bill "Certo," ringhiò Bill. "It's a nice way to treat us, mister. È|un|bello|modo|di|trattare|noi|signore "È un bel modo di trattarci, signore. Move along now and don't turn 'round." Muoviti|avanti|ora|e|non|girare| Muoviti ora e non voltarti." "Well, you're a couple of nice highwaymen," cried Monty in disgust. "Beh, siete un paio di bei banditi della strada," esclamò Monty con disgusto. "Sh--not so loud." |non|così|forte "Sh--non così forte." "That is no way to attend to business. Quello|è|non|modo|di|occuparsi|di|affari "Non è questo il modo di occuparsi degli affari. Do you expect me to go down in my pocket and hand you the goods on a silver tray?" Fare|tu|aspetti|me|di|andare|giù|nel|mio|tasca|e|consegnare|a te|i|beni|su|un|argento|vassoio Ti aspetti che io metta mano al portafoglio e ti consegni la merce su un vassoio d'argento?" "Keep your hands up! Tenere|le tue|mani|su "Tieni le mani in alto!" You don't woik dat game on me. Tu|non|lavorare|quella|partita|su|me "Non giochi a quel gioco con me." You got a gun there." Tu|hai|una|pistola|lì "Hai una pistola lì." "No, I haven't. No|io|non ho "No, non ce l'ho." This is on the level. Questo|è|su|il|livello Questo è a livello. You over-looked a roll of bills in your haste and I'm not the sort of fellow to see an earnest endeavorer get the worst of it. Tu|||un|rotolo|di|banconote|nella|tua|fretta|e|io sono|non|il|tipo|di|individuo|per|vedere|un|sincero|sforzatore|ottenere|il|peggio|di|esso Hai trascurato un rotolo di banconote nella tua fretta e non sono il tipo di persona che vede un sincero sforzo subire il peggio. My hands are up. Le mie|mani|sono|su Le mie mani sono alzate. See for yourself if I'm not telling you the truth." Vedi|per|te stesso|se|sto|non|dicendo|ti|la|verità Guarda tu stesso se non ti sto dicendo la verità." "What kind of game is dis?" Che|tipo|di|gioco|è|questo "Che tipo di gioco è questo?" growled Bill, dazed and bewildered. ringhiò|Bill|stordito|e|confuso ringhiò Bill, stordito e confuso. "I'm blowed if I know w'at to t'ink o' you," cried he in honest amazement. Io sono|confuso|se|io|so|cosa|di|pensare||te|gridò|lui|in|onesto|stupore "Non so cosa pensare di te," esclamò con onesta meraviglia. "You don't act drunk, and you ain't crazy, but there's somethin' wrong wid you. Tu|non|agire|ubriaco|e|tu|non sei|pazzo|ma|c'è||sbagliato|con|te |||||||||є|||| "Non ti comporti da ubriaco, e non sei pazzo, ma c'è qualcosa che non va in te." Are you givin' it to us straight about de wad?" Sei|tu||lo|a|noi|dritto|su|il|denaro "Ce lo stai dicendo chiaro riguardo al gruzzolo?" "You can find out easily." Tu|puoi|trovare|fuori|facilmente "Puoi scoprirlo facilmente." "Well, I hate to do it, boss, but I guess we'll just take de overcoat and all. "Beh, odio farlo, capo, ma suppongo che prenderemo solo il soprabito e tutto." It looks like a trick and we takes no chances. Esso|sembra|come|un|trucco|e|noi|prende|nessun|rischi "Sembra un trucco e non ci prendiamo rischi." Off wid de coat." via|con|il|cappotto "Via il cappotto." Monty's coat came off in a jiffy and he stood shivering before the dumfounded robbers. di Monty|cappotto|venne|via|in|un|attimo|e|lui|si trovò|tremante|davanti a|i|sbalorditi|ladri Il cappotto di Monty è volato via in un attimo e lui stava tremando davanti ai ladri sbalorditi. "We'll leave de coat at de next corner, pardner. "Lasceremo il cappotto al prossimo angolo, compagno. It's cold and you need it more'n we do. È|freddo|e|tu|hai bisogno|di esso|più di|noi|facciamo Fa freddo e ne hai bisogno più di noi." You're de limit, you are. |di|limite|tu|sei Sei il limite, lo sei. So long. così|lungo A presto. Walk right straight ahead and don't yell." Cammina|a destra|dritto|avanti|e|non|urlare Cammina dritto davanti a te e non urlare. Brewster found his coat a few minutes later, and went whistling away into the night. Brewster|trovò|il suo|cappotto|un|pochi|minuti|dopo|e|andò|fischiettando|via|nella|la|notte Brewster trovò il suo cappotto pochi minuti dopo e se ne andò fischiettando nella notte. The roll of bills was gone. Il|rotolo|di|banconote|era|sparito Il rotolo di banconote era sparito.