As if in answer to her agonized prayer, another shadow passed the curtained window. Sandy had not seen it or he would not have thrust forth his great arms and snatched her to him. Tess uttered a scream. In another moment Jake Brewer sprang into the kitchen and was looking from Tessibel to the angry squatter.
Sandy pushed the girl roughly on to the cot—took two steps toward Brewer, his manner threatening.
"What ye sneakin' 'bout here fer?" he growled out.
Jake grinned slowly.
"I allers come in to see Tess," he replied. "What were ye doin', Sandy?"
"I air goin' to take Tessibel to be my woman," muttered Letts.
Jake glanced at the pallid girl.
"Oh, well, I swan! So that air it, eh?"
"Nope," Tess got out through her chattering teeth. Then all the pent-up rage in her body broke loose. "I ain't wantin' to be his woman. I want to be let alone in my shack! Oh, Jake, won't ye make Sandy go away and let me be?"
Sandy laughed evilly.