“Brave Bess!” murmured Lottie. “You are certainly coming on finely.”
The plotters were now inside the cabin, so that it was safe for the girls to advance. This they did until they were once more in a position where they could look in the window of the cabin.
They saw a strange sight. Old Denny Shane, brave and rugged, confronted the four men who had called on him. In one hand he grasped the red oar, while the other rested on the back of the chair from which he had risen.
“Well, Mr. Shane,” said the man Cora knew as Bruce. “We come to see you on business.”
“What kind?” asked the old man, and the girls could see him look around as though seeking help or a means of escape. But there was no fear in his eyes. Only defiance.
“We might as well get to business at once,” said one of the men, sharply. That was Kelly.
“That’s right,” agreed Moran. “Make him an offer. If he doesn’t want to take it then we’ll talk another kind of talk. And be quick about it.”
“I want no business with you!” cried Denny, sharply. “Why do you come here bothering me?”
“You know why!” exclaimed Bruce. “You are concerned in the Lewis land matter. You can testify as to who owns it.”
“Well, supposin’ I can?” asked the old man, defiantly. “What is that to you?”