Page:Raymond Spears--Diamond Tolls.djvu/181

 "Don't you call me any names," she ordered. "I won't stand for it from you or from any man."

Gost swallowed and blinked. He turned and staggered toward the top of the bank. He would have fallen down into the river if Urleigh had not caught and helped him on board the boat and into the cabin.

Macrado, standing a few yards distant, let his jaw drop as the girl spoke, and staring at her, his tongue worked wonderingly for a moment. She turned and saw him.

"Lawse, gal!" he gasped. "Did yo' all throw them di'monds ovehboard?"

Two score of river people within hearing started up tense and eager, for their minds had long dwelt upon that treasure.

"Did I?" she repeated, scowling at him. "May I ask what diamonds, and if I did, is it any business of yours what I did with them?"

Macrado flushed and retreated.

"You fellers better get to mind your own business," Mrs. Mahna called after him, "you darned fools!"