"What's this--what's this, Hank?" he demanded sharply.
"The young lady started to come up and speak to old Sit-in-the-Sun. I was
just explaining to her how crazy the old squaw is," Jeff answered with a
grin.
"Oh! Is that all?" MacQueen turned to Melissy.
"She's plumb loony--dangerous, too. I don't want you to go near her."
The girl's eyes flashed. "Very considerate of you. But if you want to
protect me from the really dangerous people here, you had better send me
home."
"I tell you they do as I say, every man jack of them. I'd flay one alive
if he insulted you."
"It's a privilege you don't sublet then," she retorted swiftly.
Admiration gleamed through his amusement. "Gad, you've got a sharp tongue.
I'd pity the man you marry--unless he drove with a tight rein."
"That's not what we're discussing, Mr. MacQueen. Are you going to send me
home?"
"Not till you've made us a nice long visit, my dear. You're quite safe
here. My men are plumb gentle. They'll eat out of your hand. They don't
insult ladies. I've taught 'em----"
"Pity you couldn't teach their leader, too."
He acknowledged the hit. "Come again, dearie. But what's your complaint?
Haven't I treated you white so far?"
"No. You insulted me grossly when you brought me here by force."
"Did I lay a hand on you?"
"If it had been necessary you would have."
"You're right, I would," he nodded. "I've taken a fancy to you. You're a
good-looking and a plucky little devil. I've a notion to fall in love with
you."
"Don't!"
"Why not? Say I'm a villain and a bad lot. Wouldn't it be a good thing for
me to tie up with a fine, straight-up young lady like you? Me, I like the
way your eyes flash. You've got a devil of a temper, haven't you?"
They had been walking toward a pile of rocks some little way from the
cluster of cabins. Now he sat down and smiled impudently across at her.
"That's my business," she flung back stormily.
Genially he nodded. "So it is. Mine, too, when we trot in double
harness."
Her scornful eyes swept up and down him. "I wouldn't marry you if you were
the last man on earth."
"No. Well, I'm not partial to that game myself. I didn't mention
matrimony, did I?"