"Jealous—why?" The angry color beat its way to the surface above her cheek bones. Her disdain was regal.
"About Juanita."
"What about Juanita?"
"The usual thing, Miss Valdés. He was afraid she had the bad taste to prefer another man to himself."
Davis broke in. "Now, don't you be a goat, Dick. Miss Valdés, he——"
"If you please, Mr. Davis. I'm quite sure Mr. Gordon is able to defend himself," she replied scornfully.
"Didn't know I was defending myself. What's the charge against me?" asked the young miner with a touch of quiet insolence.
"There isn't any—if you don't see what it is. And you're quite right, Mr. Gordon. Your difficulties with Pablo are none of my business. You'll have to settle them yourselves—with Juanita's help. May I ask whether you received the registered letter I sent you, Mr. Gordon?"
Dick was angry. Her cool contempt told him that he had been condemned. He knew that he was acting like an irresponsible schoolboy, but he would not justify himself. She might think what she liked.
"Found it waiting for me this morning, Miss Valdés."