Doane went red, then white. For a moment intense hatred and anger flashed in his eyes, but he made no move to avenge the insult. Slowly the light in his eyes died again to fear, as he 241 realized his inability to cope with this man of strength.
“Here, Eagen, you can’t come into my house and act like that,” said Mallory stoutly, putting the lamp on the table.
Laura still stood in the doorway, stunned by the rapid and extraordinary turn of events. Eagen turned on Mallory with a snarl.
“Shut up, you old fool! Don’t butt in where you ain’t wanted, an’ on something you don’t know anything about.”
“I know you’re in my house!” Mallory retorted sternly.
“I’ll only be here a minute,” said Eagen with a sneer. “I’m goin’ out of your house, an’ I’m goin’ to drag this sneaking cur out with me––out on the solid ground an’ give him what’s comin’ to him. An’ then,” he added in a terrible voice; “I’m goin’ to go out an’ get his pardner––Rathburn, The Coyote––get him when the others can’t come within a mile of him!”
“You can’t take this man out of my house when he is my guest!” thundered Mallory.
“No?” asked Eagen contemptuously. “Well, you watch an’ see! If you try to stop me you’ll stop lead!”
He leaped forward and grasped Doane by the shoulder, jerked him forward, and stepped backward himself. He turned, dragging his victim, then stopped dead in his tracks with a hissing intake of breath. Rathburn was standing quietly in the doorway.