Rhonda looked at Naomi and winked. "Papa cross; papa spank," she said.
"My God! he'll kill me," shuddered Naomi.
The flap of the tent was thrust violently aside, and Orman burst into the tent. Rhonda wheeled and faced him.
"What do you mean by coming into our tent?" she demanded. "Get out of here!"
Orman's jaw dropped. He was not accustomed to being talked to like that, and it took him off his feet. He was as surprised as might be a pit bull slapped in the face by a rabbit. He stood swaying at the entrance for a moment, staring at Rhonda as though he had discovered a new species of animal.
"I just wanted to speak to Naomi," he said. "I didn't know you were here."
"You can speak to Naomi in the morning. And you did know that I was here; I heard you tell Stanley."
At the mention of Obroski's name Orman's anger welled up again. "That's what I'm goin' to talk to her about." He took a step in the direction of Naomi's cot. "Now look here, you dirty little tramp," he yelled, "you can't make a monkey of me. If I ever catch you playin' around with that Polack again I'll beat you into a pulp."
Naomi shrank back, whimpering. "Don't touch me! I didn't do anything. You got it all wrong, Tom. He didn't come here to see me; he came to see Rhonda. Don't let him get me, Rhonda; for God's sake, don't let him get me."
Orman hesitated and looked at Rhonda. "Is that on the level?" he asked.