CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
David watched them go, and while his back was turned a fierce, soft dialogue passed between Ruth Manning and Ben Connor.
"Are you a man?" she asked him, through her set teeth. "Are you going to let that beautiful little thing die?"
"I'd rather see the cold-hearted fool die in place of Timeh. But what can we do? Nothing. Just smile in his face."
"I hate him!" she exclaimed.
"If you hate him, then use him. Will you?"
"If I can make him follow me, tease him to come, make him think I love him, I'll do it. I'd do anything to torture him."
"I told you he was a savage."
"You were right, Ben. A fiend—not a man! Oh, thank Heavens that I see through him."
Anger gave her color and banished her tears. And when David turned he found what seemed a picture of pleasure. It was infinitely grateful to him. If he had searched and studied for the words he could not have found anything to embitter her more than his first speech.