Page:Caroline Lockhart--The full of the Moon.djvu/88

 the imperious demand she realized hopelessly that he had no intention of doing either, as he purposely stood between her and the door.

"Where?" He smiled in cynical amusement.

"Somewhere on this ranch there must be a decent man!" she cried furiously.

"My handsome foreman, perhaps?"

"Yes—your foreman, then!" she flashed defiantly.

"My foremen do not interfere in my affairs—new ones are too easy to get. Come, little girl"—his tone took on a conciliatory note—"cut it out, this tragedy business, and let's be friends. You're here. You've got to learn that Henry T. Spiser is boss. Boss of the L.X. outfit—boss of Hopedale County, and boss as much farther as the L.X. brand runs. Be sensible."

He came toward her until his outstretched hands all but touched her shoulders.

Nan struck him a stinging blow across the face.

Spiser turned white with fury.

"Oh, if that's your style"

He grasped her wrist in a grip of steel.