“Where did you get them?”
“That’s none of your affair; give ’em to me.”
“I won’t. They’re mine, and not yours.”
“Then I’ll take ’em!” he cried, with another oath.
He sprang upon her, threw her down, and by sheer strength and brutal roughness took the gems from her. Then he stood off regarding her. Dropping the gems into the bag, he closed it, and thrust it into his pocket.
“See here!” he said, in a harsh tone, “I’m taking care of you, and I expect to pay myself by keepin’ these, and by keepin’ you!”
“What do you mean?” she gasped.
“I dunno as I could make the words plainer. I intend to keep these, and to keep you.” He picked up his revolver. “So you might as well understand it fust as last. There ain’t goin’ to be any cry-baby bizness allowed here. I saved you from them Injuns, and——”
“I believe you lied to me in that, too!”
“Well, I didn’t! If I hadn’t hustled with you, and got away from ’em, your purty scalp would be soon dryin’ in some Injun lodge; and that wouldn’t be pleasant for you. Now see here!”