"Not that exactly, Miss Natalie; I could have faith in your word, except that I believe you to be mistaken, deceived. Hobart is not square; he is using you for his own ends. Under these conditions, I would be a coward to give such a promise, and leave you helpless in this man's power."
"You intend then to refuse?"
"I do; I'll fight it out."
She stared at him, scarcely believing her own ears, her lips parted, a look of angry fright in her eyes.
"You are a fool, Captain West," she burst forth at last, unable to hold back the words. "I have done my best for you, and you spurn that. Now look out."
She stepped backward, still fronting him, and, with hand behind her, rapped sharply on the panel of the door.