Garman struck his paddle in the bottom and held the canoe motionless. His eyes, usually lazy and indifferent, now blazed beneath the fleshy brows with the madness of rage. He glared full in the eyes above the rifle barrel and bellowed:
"Where's Annette! —— you, Payne, give her up!"
Roger's heart leaped at the words. He felt an impulse to jump up and shout; but he kept his cheek to the rifle butt and responded:
"Keep to your own side of those stakes, Garman, or I'll sink your canoe."
"Answer me!" hissed Garman. "Answer me, or by God! the alligators will make a meal of you!"
"You've got your answer. Keep off and keep out of danger."
"Give her up! Do you hear: give her up or she'll be sorry she ever was born."
Roger pondered a moment for the right answer.
"Nothing doing," he said firmly.
"You admit she's come here then?"