our acquaintance had served to convince me that she was a woman of
resource, of character, and determination. If she felt it right to
remain no argument would be effective, or have the slightest weight.
Perhaps another night would change her mood, but now, in the sunshine,
her courage would hold steadfast. Even as these considerations flashed
across my mind, I heard the thud of Coombs' feet upon the steps of the
veranda. That he had been drinking I realized at a glance, and it was
equally evident that he planned to overawe me by brutal domineering.
In spite of every effort to control my expression I could not restrain
a smile at the manifest bluster of his approach.

"So yer 've got through eatin', hey," he began coarsely. "Whar 's the
female? Thought I saw her here."

"You did," I returned coldly, "but Mrs. Henley has returned to her
room."

"Mrs. Henley, huh! Think yer kin pull thet bluff over me!"

"What bluff?"

"Aw, this Henley racket you sprung last night--'bout yer being young
Phil Henley come back."

"Did I say that?"

"Yer shure did," eyeing me in some surprise. "I reckon my ears heard
all right. Why, what are yer this morning?"

"If I ever made any such claim as that, Coombs, it was merely to assure