Part 34 (1/2)
”What right have you to say that? You were never anything to me except just what you are, a creature capable of almost any deed of villainy.
I only met you two or three times in my life, and why should you presume to think that you had won my affection?”
”Well, if ye think I'm bad to the core, I will soon show you that I am.
It's no use, I see, to beat about the bush any longer. If I can't get you one way I will another, an' I'll have you ahead of that d---- guy who has won your heart. You're here alone with me, remember, an'
that's all I want.”
Curly had thrown aside all pretense now, and his face bore an ugly expression as he stepped quickly forward. But it was only a step or two he took, for he stopped short with a surprised jerk when he beheld the menacing point of a revolver directed straight at his head. The hand that held the weapon was firm, and the blaze in Glen's eyes was sufficient warning. This was more than he had expected, and he knew not what to do.
”Keep back,” the girl ordered.
”Surely ye wouldn't shoot, Miss?” the brute whimpered.
”Take another step forward and you'll soon find out.” The voice was stern and business-like.
”But I won't harm ye.”
”No, indeed you won't. I'll see to that.”
”I was only foolin',” the wretch lied. ”I didn't mean anything.”
”Well, I'm not fooling, and I mean what I say. You thought in your base heart that I would be an easy victim, didn't you? But you now know that Glen Weston has some of her father's spirit. She can shoot, too, and if you doubt it, just try any more of your nonsense.”
Curly was in a trap, and when he found that this slip of a girl was more than his match he started to give vent to his rage in vile, insolent language.
”Stop that,” Glen sternly ordered. ”It is bad enough to have you here without having to listen to such language. Stop; I say,” she again commanded, as Curly was about to continue. ”Yes, I mean it, so you needn't doubt my word. And you might as well put your hands together.
Hurry up; I give you two seconds. You are not to be trusted.”
Slowly Curly obeyed, and stood before the girl, his hands clasped, and completely subdued. A smile of victory flitted across Glen's face, though her eyes and mouth were expressive of the deepest scorn.
”You didn't expect this, did you?” she bantered.
”Expect what?”
”To be standing so meekly before a woman. You imagined that she would be doing that to you.”
”You're not a woman,” Curly growled; ”you're a she-devil.”
”Oh, so you've changed your opinion of me,” and Glen laughed. ”I am very glad of that, for you won't be crazy about me any more.”
”Crazy! Your face an' figure would drive any man crazy.”
”Dear me, do I look as horrible as all that? It's a wonder you are not a raving lunatic.”
”I will if you keep me here much longer. Let me go an' I'll never trouble you again. That slick guy can have you fer all I care. I don't want anything to do with a woman who holds ye up at the point of a gun.”
”No, I am sure you don't, Curly. You prefer to prey upon women who are helpless, and who cannot lift a hand in self-defense. But I am different, as you have found out to your cost.”