All three stared for a moment without speaking. Then Jim broke into a laugh so harsh that it made the girl shudder.
"Well I'm damned!" he cried. "Of all the welcomes home this beats hell!"
"Jim—oh, Jim!"
The cry of horror and pain was literally wrung from the girl. Nor was it without effect. The man seemed to realize his uncouthness, for he suddenly took off his hat, and his face became serious.
"I beg your pardon, Betty," he said apologetically. "I forgot where I was. I forgot that the Yukon was behind me, and——"
"That you're talking to the lady you're engaged to be married to," put in Dave sharply.
Dave's words drew the younger man's attention to himself. For a second a malicious flash shone in the bloated eyes. Then he dropped them and held out his hand.
"How do, Dave?" he said coldly.
Dave responded without any enthusiasm. He was chilled, chilled and horrified, and he knew that Mansell's story was no exaggeration. He watched Jim turn again to Betty. He saw the strained look in the girl's eyes, and he waited.
"I'll come along up to the house later," Jim said coolly. "Guess I'll get along to the hotel and get cleaned some. I allow I ain't fit for party calls at a hog pen just about now. So long."