“I see Steve Knight has had the cursed impudence to come back here,” he blurted out, as soon as they were away from the door.
“Yes,” she said. “I saw him last night.”
“Saw him?” he repeated angrily. “I hope you didn’t speak to the brute.”
“I did,” she said, turning a little pale. “I could not well avoid it without making a scene in front of Aleck Gault. I did not think that necessary or wise.”
It was just then that Steve came from the hut, and he walked straight over to the two. He raised his hat, but took no further notice of Ess. “I’d like to speak to you a moment alone,” he said to Ned.
“I have no wish to speak to you now or any other time,” said Ned, with an insolent stare.
Steve was quivering with rage, still fresh from the encounter at breakfast time, but he kept himself under control.
“I’ve got something to say to you,” he persisted, “and would rather not say it in the presence of a lady. May I ask you to leave us?” he said, turning to Ess.
“If it is anything concerning me or—that night, I would as soon stay and hear it,” she said steadily.
Steve said no more to her, but turned to Ned Gunliffe.