But when Slick-heels Saul pressed forward to her side at the boarding-house steps, she was as stately and cold as the snow-hooded rocks of Granite Mountain.
“I have lost everything, but still I hold you to your promise.”
“I made no promise, sir,” she said haughtily.
“'But you will,” he answered meaningly, “tomorrow.”
“Stand aside!” thundered Eric.
“Come awn,” soothed Irish Mike. “Not with the lady here, Eric, b'y.”
“Patty, I cannot let you go! I will shoot the beast on sight.”
“That would not vindicate my father's honor. Hush, he is coming. I must remember that I am a Laughton.”
Eric turned to stare moodily out the dusty window. “There goes the cattle man with his followers and his strong-box. What he must have won! Here comes Mike. In a hurry, too! I wonder—”
Slick-heels Saul was bowing before the girl.