"Judith, I tell you that I never breathed a word."
"I know better. Scott wouldn't be such a fool. And he told me not an hour ago that Charleton said you'd given me away. And, anyhow, I think more of Scott Parsons than I do of you and Dad put together! He's not always jawing at me. He thinks I'm just right as I am."
Douglas drew himself up, angry and offended.
"You'll come after me, miss, before I speak to you again!"
"That's exactly what I want!" retorted Judith.
During this dialogue, Mary stood with the tears running down her cheeks, begging the two to stop quarreling. John leaned against the table, his eyes half closed, his mouth distorted.
"So that's how the land lies with Scott?" he shouted suddenly.
"Yes, and if you lay hands on me, I'll shoot you," said Judith succinctly.
"I know how to get you, miss," sneered John.
He rushed out of the house. A moment later he galloped past the window on Beauty. Judith walked defiantly to the door and looked after him. Douglas went out to the corral. Shortly, John returned, leading Swift. He pulled up in front of the door and dismounted. He kicked Swift in the haunch to make her turn, and before Judith could do more than start toward him from the door, he put his six-shooter to Swift's patient little head and pulled the trigger. Swift dropped to her knees and rolled over.