Going to her father, who had resumed his seat, she knelt down beside him. The old man took her hand and held it tightly. “Father,” she said firmly, “I shall never marry in that fashion. You would not wish me to do so?”
The staunch old fellow shook his head decidedly. “No, my child,” said the downright old fellow. “We are Indians, it’s true; but we are also Christians. No, I do not wish it, nor would I allow it.” There was much righteous indignation in his voice.
“Christians!” sneered Broom, in a manner so diabolical that it is quite beyond power of description. “Fine Christians, I’m sure. But I’m up to your little game. You think to make a fine lady of the girl, eh? She’s throwing herself at Thursby’s head, and if—”
“Stop!” commanded Delgezie, sternly. Gently disengaging himself from the girl, he got to his feet. Raised to his full height, he looked upon the slanderer with a face which, in truth, was fearful. His eyes brightened into clear and perfect fire. He stood, a concentration of scorn, contempt, hatred the most intense; pouring upon the dastardly villain an unbroken stream of withering fury that was dreadful to look upon. His daughter, in fact, was obliged to speak twice before she could arrest his attention.
“Father! father!” she pleaded. She was greatly frightened. She had never seen this kind-hearted old man in such a fierce passion before.
At the sound of the girl’s voice, Delgezie partly recovered himself. The anger went slowly out of his face, leaving it grim and stern. “You have received your answer,” he said with dignity. “You have no right to insult us. Please go.” With that he resumed his seat.
But Broom was angry, too. For an instant he had a wicked desire to seize the girl and carry her off, but he could not do this without being followed and brought back, and his punishment would be severe. Roy had already declared himself on that score. Besides there would be this fiery old father to deal with.
“I’ll have her yet,” said Broom, starting to take his leave, “I swear it!”
At the door he turned and glanced maliciously back at the girl, then laughing discordantly he strode out, banging the door behind him.
Then a great, horrible fear seizing Delgezie seemed to still the beating of his heart. For Broom had sworn that he would possess Kasba. Broom was a white man, and white men always got what they set their hearts upon; that is, when dealing with Indians. At least, such was Delgezie’s experience. He must consult Bekothrie. Yet it seemed a silly thing to make a fuss about. It was no insult to offer a girl marriage, and, if pressed by Bekothrie, Broom would undoubtedly construe his offer as such. Besides the fellow had been refused, and that should end the matter, and probably would, when he had had time to recover from his ruffled feelings. If he then refused to take the rejection in good part and continued to annoy the girl with his attentions, it would then be time to complain to Bekothrie. So argued the old fellow, who was not a little shrewd in his way.