“Very well, you may step up to the door and look in, but no farther if you value your life,” replied Elfreda, turning her back on him and stepping through the doorway.
The visitor was not slow to accept the invitation. He reached the threshold, and was about to stride into the cabin when he suddenly found himself facing the old prospector’s revolver, held in the steady hand of Elfreda Briggs.
“You may take a look at the revolver now if you like,” she offered. “Stay where you are!”
A glint came into the man’s eyes, a glint of danger, but it faded and he laughed.
“Very neat, Miss. I think I’ll take a look at that bunk over there, and that there hole in the floor with the trap door in it.”
“Out! Instantly!” Elfreda’s voice rang out with a new note in it.
The unwelcome guest’s hand sagged slowly towards his own holster.
“Hands up! Quick!”
The man obeyed, his eyes never leaving hers, nor did Elfreda’s eyes leave those of her caller. While he undoubtedly, with his long experience in quick work, could have dodged and drawn and fired ere Miss Briggs was able to prevent it, he did not do so. Perhaps he feared that she might hit his horse instead of himself, for that animal was directly in range with her weapon.
“Mount! Leave this place instantly! If you attempt to interfere with me you will do so at your peril!” she warned.