Part 30 (1/2)

”You want Nell Strong, that's it. Ah, I understand it all. You want to take her away from me, don't you? I suppose you have told her this yarn about me, and that accounts for something that took place last night. You devil incarnate! I'll get even with you for what you have done!”

”If I were you I would be too ashamed to say anything more,” Douglas calmly replied. ”I have not told Miss Strong about your cowardly deed, though I think she should know of it. It would be an act of mercy if a word might save her from such a brute as you.”

So intent were the two men upon what they were saying, that they did not notice Nell coming toward them down the road. She was only a few yards away as Douglas finished speaking. She heard the heated words, but could not understand their meaning. She was hoping that she might pa.s.s as quickly as possible, as she did not wish to have anything to say to Ben.

Douglas, standing facing the road, was the first to see her, and he at once lifted his hat. He thought she never looked so beautiful, clad as she was in a simple dress, and a plain sailor-hat on her head. She seemed like an angel of mercy sent to bring peace to their strife.

Ben, however, had no such thoughts. When he turned and saw who was approaching, he at once recalled the previous evening, and what Nell had said to him. He was glad, too, of any excuse to get away from his opponent who had given him such a galling time. And this was an opportunity, as well, to embarra.s.s the woman who had repelled him.

These thoughts flashed through his mind in the twinkling of an eye.

”h.e.l.lo, Nell,” he accosted. ”Going down the road? Better get in and have a drive. I'm going that way myself.”

”I prefer to walk, thank you,” Nell quietly replied.

”Oh, nonsense. Get in and have a drive,” Ben insisted.

Douglas noted that Nell's face became somewhat pale. Her clear eyes, filled with courage, never wavered. She had made up her mind and he knew that nothing could change her from her purpose. She did not at once reply to Ben's request.

”Get in,” he ordered, ”and don't be foolish.”

”I tell you I prefer to walk,” she repeated. ”I am quite satisfied with my own company this afternoon.”

With this parting thrust, Nell was about to resume her walk when Ben with a savage oath sprang toward her.

”No, you don't get away as easy as that,” he roared. ”I want to know the meaning of such actions.”

Nell's anger was now aroused, and she turned swiftly upon the brute.

”You know very well why I will not ride with you. Have you forgotten last night? This is the King's highway, and I am at liberty to go as I please.”

”To h---- with the King,” Ben retorted, as he reached out and caught her fiercely by the arm.

At once a cry of pain broke from Nell's lips, and wildly she tore away the gripping fingers. Her face was distorted with pain, and her right hand pressed firmly her wounded arm.

Ben's oath concerning the King caused Douglas' face to darken and his eyes to blaze. He sprang quickly forward, and seized the wretch by the collar just as Nell forced his grip from her arm. He shook him as a terrier would shake a rat and left him at length sprawling in the middle of the road, his clothes all covered with dust.

”If you want some more, get up,” Douglas remarked, as he stood viewing his prostrate victim. ”How dare you insult the King, and lay your foul hands upon this woman? Get up, I tell you, and clear out of this at once.”

As Ben made no effort to obey, but lay there with his face to the ground, Douglas reached down, caught him by the coat collar, and landed him on his feet.

”Take your car and get away from here,” he ordered. ”Don't open your mouth, or it won't be well for you.”

With face livid with rage and with shaking limbs, Ben did as he was commanded. He was thoroughly cowed, and not once did he look back as he crawled into his car, started it, and sped down the road.

Douglas paid no more attention to Ben but turned immediately toward Nell.

”I am sorry for what has happened,” he apologised. ”I hope you----”

He stopped suddenly, for he noticed a deep crimson stain on the white dress where Ben had clutched her arm.