"You know who I mean!" he broke out roughly, "and I guess you know why I've come!"
"No, I don't," she answered, "but—but this is my office and I hope you won't make any trouble."
The words came with a rush, once she found her courage, but the appeal was lost upon Rimrock.
"He's here, then!" he said. "Well, you tell him to come out. I'd like to talk with him on business—alone!"
He took a step forward and then suddenly from behind the desk a shadow rose up and fled. It was Andrew McBain, and as he dashed for the rear door the girl valiantly covered his retreat. There was a quick slap of the latch, a scuffle behind her, and the door came shut with a bang.
"Oho!" said Rimrock as she faced him panting, "he must be a friend of yourn."
"No, he isn't," she answered instantly, and then a smile crept into her eyes. "But he's—well, he's my principal customer."
"Oh," said Rimrock grimly, "well, I'll let him live then. Good-bye."
He turned away, still intent on his purpose, but at the door she called him back.
"What's that?" he asked as if awakened from a dream. "Why, yes, if you don't mind, I will."