rown 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 sur