Lieberstein whirled about.
In the doorway stood Layton Boardman!
CHAPTER XXIV
BOARDMAN WAKES UP
Mary and Ellen Chase were as startled and surprised to see Layton Boardman as Lieberstein himself, though his interference meant something quite different to them.
For a moment the eyes of Boardman and Mary met, and that one look told more than a great many words could have done. He moved a little closer to the girl and then turned his attention again to the cowering Lieberstein.
It was characteristic of Ruth that, even in that moment of strain and tense expectancy, the uppermost thought in her mind was professional.
“Our leading man was never in better form in his life,” was her unspoken comment upon the scene. “What a picture this would make! Almost,” with a whimsical smile, “true to life!”
As Boardman advanced into the cabin, driving Lieberstein before him, they saw that he was not alone. Helen followed him, breathless and disheveled, but triumphant. After her came several young miners whom Ruth recognized as having been much in Boardman’s company recently.
These gathered about the now cringing Lieberstein, muttering threats and scowling at him. One, more eager than the rest, reached out a hand as though to seize the fellow by his collar, but Boardman pushed him aside.
“Not yet, Nick!” he said. “We’ll give the cur just one more chance. Now listen, you!” He placed himself directly before Lieberstein and forced the cowering, sullen fellow to meet his eyes. “We’re telling you something to-day, and a lapse of memory on the subject will cost you your dog’s life. That’s as sure as that the sun will come up to-morrow. Am I right, boys?”