She came with a rush and a clatter which brought Nan out on to
the veranda in hurry of anxious inquiry. Bud was behind her, but his
movements lacked her impulse.
Elvine was out of the saddle. She stood on the veranda, a figure of
wild-eyed appeal.
"Jeff! Oh, he's gone. Nan, they'll--they'll kill him! I know it.
I'm certain. And I warned him. I warned him. But--oh!"
She covered her face with her hands. It was a movement inspired by the
memory of his scorn.
Nan's responsive heart was caught by the other's emotion. But above it
leaped a fear which she was powerless to deny. Jeff? Jeff in danger?
She flung out an arm. Her small hand gripped the other with a force
that was incredible.
"What d'you mean?" she cried, almost fiercely. "Don't stand there like
a fool. Who is going to harm Jeff?"
The sharp authority, so prompt, so unexpected, dragged the distraught
woman into some command of herself. She raised her head. Her eyes
were hot with unshed tears. They looked into Nan's, so urgent, yet so
full of a steadfast sanity.
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