"I 'low as she don't like ye, young feller," said Lon, with a laugh.
"Does it matter to you, Cronk?" retorted Brimbecomb.
"Not a damned bit!"
"Then go and make your arrangements with your one-armed friend and leave your daughter here with me."
"Ye be in too big a hurry, my fine buck! Lem ain't as willin' as I be; but I'll jest go down to the scow and speak with him."
"I want to go with you, Pappy Lon," cried Fledra.
"Ye stay right here, gal," commanded Cronk. Full in her face he slammed the door and left her alone with Brimbecomb.
Everett stood looking at her for fully a minute, and as steadily she eyed him back.
"I have come for you," he said quietly. "I could not leave you with these persons."
Fledra curled her lip scornfully.