Charleton gave Douglas an ugly look. "I'll settle with you, for that, young fellow!" He stepped toward the bed. "Are you going to get out, Marion?"
"No, she isn't!" snapped Douglas. He made a sudden rush at Charleton and pushed him into the kitchen, Judith slammed and locked the door behind them.
It was on this scene that John Spencer appeared, closing the outer door innocently behind him.
"I wanted to borrow your buckboard for a couple of weeks," he began. Then he paused and looked inquiringly from his son to his old friend.
"Marion's in trouble," said Douglas, "and Charleton is trying to drive her out. Jude and I won't let him."
"Why should you butt in?" demanded John.
"Anybody with a decent heart would," replied Douglas.
"Get your kids out of here, John!" roared Charleton. "Judith's in there with the door locked!"
"Judith!" called John. "'Come here!"
"I can't, Dad. I promised Marion to stick by her."