"Stand back, Ed. Wilson—keep your distance or it'll be the worse for you!" muttered Dusky Dick, as he involuntarily retreated a pace, at the same time throwing his rifle-muzzle forward.
"Don't threaten—you cowardly cur, or I'll forget myself and give you something to growl at. There is your road. Take it and begone, and don't let me ever see your ugly face 'round here again. Go!"
"Hold on a bit, Wilson," and a vicious glitter filled the desperado's eyes as his fingers nervously manipulated the rifle-lock. "Better think twice afore you throw away your chance. I tell you ag'in, that if you don't agree to my plans, you won't live to be a day older. You'll all be killed and skelped. You can't run away, fer you're watched by those who would be only too glad of a chance to plug ye! Do as I said; promise me her, and I'll save you all. If you don't, then—"
"Hold!" rung out a clear, firm voice, as a light, agile figure sprung before the sturdy settler. "Hold! Uncock that gun, or I'll send a bullet through your black heart! Uncock it, I say—and now leave!"
It was Annie who had thus interrupted the conversation, and probably prevented a tragedy, for the treacherous villain had cocked his rifle, unobserved by Wilson, intending to shoot down one whom he feared to face openly. But the watchful eye of the daughter had noted his action, and, grasping the ready rifle, had checked his purpose, as detailed.
Edward Wilson realized the peril he had so narrowly escaped, and, as the baffled villain shrunk back from before the threatening muzzle pointed by the dauntless girl, he uttered a cry of rage, and with one enormous bound, covered the intervening distance and stood beside Dusky Dick. Then one brawny hand clutched the scoundrel's throat, while the other arm was drawn back to deliver a crushing blow.
Morgan dropped his rifle to remove the grip upon his throat, the weapon exploding as it fell. But before he could raise a hand, the hard, heavy fist of the settler shot out and alighted full between his eyes, with a crushing thud, hurling the man twice his length away.
With an angry howl, Morgan sprung up and whipped out his knife—a long, venomous-looking blade—and crouched down like a panther ready to spring. Then again did the voice of Annie ring out:
"Mind yourself, Dusky Dick! I have you covered, and I know how to use a rifle. One step forward and down you go!"
"You see we have the best of you this time," quietly added Wilson, but with a menacing ring in his low voice. "Take your gun and begone. 'Twould only serve you right if I shot you down like a dog—as you meant to serve me; but I let you go this time. But the next—look out!"