She is
calm, but intense in her demand.
"Tell me the truth or I'll choke it out of you," he hisses, grasping
her rudely.
His rashness breaks the last bond between them. A shriek from the
struggling woman echoes through the room.
The door flies open.
Hardin is hurled to the wall, reeling blindly.
The energetic voice of Joe Woods breaks the silence. "You are a
mean dog, but, by God, I did not think you'd strangle a woman."
Hardin has struggled to his feet. In his hand, flashes a pistol.
Joe Woods smiles.
"Trying the old El Dorado dodge, Judge, won't work. Sit down now.
Listen to me. Put up that shooting iron, or I'll nail you to the
wall."
His bowie knife presses a keen point to Hardin's breast. It is
checkmate.
Natalie Santos is buried in the cushions of her chair. She is sobbing
wildly. Shuffling feet are at the door. The fracas has been overheard.
Joe Woods quietly opens it. He speaks calmly. "The lady has fainted.
It's all right. Go away."
Through the door a girl's lovely face is seen, in frightened shyness.
"I'll send for you, miss, soon," Colonel Joe remarks, with awkward
sympathy.
He seats himself nonchalantly.
"Now, Hardin, I've got a little account to settle with you.
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