"Not another step," warned Nell.
"Ho! ho! ho! Would you try to frighten me? You can't do that, I've tamed more than one such as you. Come, be sensible, and let me have one kiss at least."
Again he advanced.
CLICK!
Harper Elliston uttered a low yet startled cry and shrank back in alarm.
A cocked derringer gleamed in the hand of Nell Darrel, and the open muzzle was pointed at his breast.
This was as disagreeable as it was unexpected.
A low-muttered oath fell from the lips of the baffled villain.
"Girl, have a care, that weapon may go off," he cried, in a voice husky with disappointment and rage.
"It WILL go off if you do not depart at once," she answered, with all the sternness she was able to muster.