Below the Last Nugget she crossed the road and started upon the
return trip. In front of this gambling-hell there were scattered
groups of men, standing, and going in. A tall man in black detached
himself and started out, as if to intercept her. He wore a long
black coat, a black bow tie, and a black sombrero. He had little,
hard, piercing eyes, as black as his dress. He wore gloves and
looked immaculate, compared with the other men. He, too, spoke to
Joan, turned to walk with her. She looked straight ahead now,
frightened, and she wanted to run. He kept beside her, apparently
talking. Joan heard only the low sound of his voice. Then he took
her arm, gently, but with familiarity. Joan broke from him and
quickened her pace.

"Say, there! Leave thet girl alone!"

This must have been yelled, for Joan certainly heard it. She
recognized Red Pearce's voice. And she wheeled to look. Pearce had
overhauled the gambler, and already men were approaching.
Involuntarily Joan halted. What would happen? The gambler spoke to
Pearce, made what appeared deprecating gestures, as if to explain.
But Pearce looked angry.

"I'll tell her daddy!" he shouted.

Joan waited for no more. She almost ran. There would surely be a
fight. Could that have been Kells's intention? Whatever it was, she
had been subjected to a mortifying and embarrassing affront. She was
angry, and she thought it might be just as well to pretend to be
furious. Kells must not use her for his nefarious schemes. She