As Ben made no effort to obey, but lay there with his face to the ground, Douglas reached down, caught him by the coat collar, and landed him on his feet.
"Take your car and get away from here," he ordered. "Don't open your mouth, or it won't be well for you."
With face livid with rage and with shaking limbs, Ben did as he was commanded. He was thoroughly cowed, and not once did he look back as he crawled into his car, started it, and sped down the road.
Douglas paid no more attention to Ben but turned immediately toward
Nell.
"I am sorry for what has happened," he apologised. "I hope you——"
He stopped suddenly, for he noticed a deep crimson stain on the white dress where Ben had clutched her arm.
"Did he do that?" he exclaimed, stepping quickly forward. "Oh, if I had only known sooner the extent of your injury, he would not have escaped so easily."
"He did not do it all," Nell replied with a slight smile. "There is a wound on my arm, and unfortunately Ben's fingers gripped me there. It will be all right when it is re-dressed."
For a few seconds Douglas stood looking at her without speaking. Her courage appealed to him, and her beauty made her almost irresistible. His brain was in a tumultuous riot of conflicting emotions. How he longed to comfort her, to take her in his arms, and tell her all that was in his heart. He was almost jubilant, for he knew now that she had cast off Ben forever, and there was hope for him.
Nell noted his ardent gaze and her eyes dropped, while a deep flush replaced the pallor of her face.