If you do not, I'll break you."
Barrows uttered an unspeakable epithet to Ted under his breath.
A loud crack sounded far enough to reach the ears of those in the
library, and bring the broncho boys to their feet. Across the white face
of Lieutenant Barrows were the crimson finger marks left by Ted Strong.
Without a word the lieutenant swung on his heel, and walked down the
steps, mounted his horse, and rode away.
In the doorway stood a young girl who looked at his going with wide
eyes. She was very pale, but as Barrows rode away without a word or a
glance backward, a flush slowly mounted to her forehead.
She turned and threw her arms around the neck of Stella, for it was
Hallie Croffut who had seen the blow delivered.
"He didn't even offer to resent the blow," sobbed Hallie. "Is it
possible that he is a coward?"
"There, dear, I wouldn't worry about him," said Stella soothingly. "It
was very wrong for Ted to do so."
Ted, who was standing near, also watching the departing lieutenant with
some surprise, heard these words and turned to look at the girls.
He smiled, however, when he heard Stella trying to comfort Hallie by
blaming him, for over the shoulder of the crying girl his girl pard
winked at him with a smile that assured him that, no matter what she
said, she thought that whatever happened he was all right.
Pages:
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293