I'll
give you all the time you want. But I'll say right here before this
lady, I know you are under an obligation to treat her decently.
"I remember her at the El Dorado!"
Hardin springs to his feet. Natalie raises her tearful eyes.
"Keep cool, Judge," continues the speaker. "You used to take care
of her. Now I'm a-going to advise her in her little private affairs.
I want you to let her severely alone. I want you to treat her as she
deserves; like a woman, not a beast. You can finish this interview
with her. I'm a-going out. If you approach her after this, without
my presence or until she sends for you, I'll scatter your brains
with my old six-shooter. I shall see she gets a square deal. She's
not going to leave California till this whole business is cleared
up. You hear me." Joe's mood is dangerous.
"Now go ahead with your palaver, madame. I'm not going to leave
the house. I know my business, and I'll stand by you as long as my
name is Joe Woods. When you're done I want you to see me, and see
my lawyer."
There is silence. Natalie's eyes give the stalwart miner a glance
of unutterable thankfulness.
She has met a man at last.
Her bosom heaves with pride, her eyes beam on rough old Joe.
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