Merle sprang upon his feet and looked at her with the gleam of a thug in his dark eyes.
"Beware, woman!" he cried. "Don't tempt me too far."
The hand of Belle Demona came up and paused only when it covered the door leading upon the porch.
"Don't threaten me!" she thundered. "Remember, Merle Macray, that you live only by my sufferance, and if you show your teeth in a snarl I'll send you to Perth under guard."
Her voice died away and the man in the chair was silent.
[CHAPTER XV.]
OLD BROADBRIM MAKES A BARGAIN AGAIN.
The night passed away without the expected attack on the ranch.
The secret of the attempt on Merle's life belonged to Old Broadbrim, Belle Demona and the girl who had wielded the dagger.