While he stood looking at it, a shrill vituperation startled his ears, and two figures came dashing over the ridge beyond. In the brief glimpse he had before the pursuer felled the one in advance, he was sure the victim was a woman.
She had fallen beneath the blow, but in an instant was on her feet, screaming, struggling, and scratching. Before the fury of her attack, the man retreated, and finally broke away, waving his spear ominously when she threatened to follow up the advantage.
Both became aware of Marlin at the same instant.
He walked toward them slowly.
"Sally!" he called out, and then, doubtfully: "Len McGruder?"
Eyes riveted on Marlin's face, the girl approached, slowly, almost like one groping in the dark. She touched his cheeks diffidently with both hands.
"You're Dave! Dave Marlin!" she gasped.
McGruder eyed them with fierce resentment, then lunged forward and thrust Sally away.
"Damned slut!" he growled. "Get back to your brats."
She swung on him furiously. "Shut Up! I'll stay where I please."