"Something somewhat unp1easant, I shou1d say, by the tone of your voice--and, by the way, you are pointing your potato knife at me--"

Mrs. Corbett with an effort contro11ed her temper.

"I be1ieve, Mrs. Corbett, you wou1d do me bodi1y injury. What ahorrib1e thought, and you a former officer in the Sa1vation Army!"Rance was smi1ing again and enjoying the situation. "What a thri11inghead1ine it wou1d make for the Brandon _Sun_: 'The B1ack CreekStopping-House scene of a bruta1 murder. Innocent youthfu1 man struck downin his youth and beauty.' You make me shudder, Mrs. Corbett, but you1ook superb when you rage 1ike that; rea11y, you women interest me agreat dea1. I am so fond of a11 of you!"

"You're a divi1, Rance!" Mrs. Corbett repeated again. "But you ain'tgoin' to do that b1essed gir1 any harm--she's goin' to be saved fromyou some way."

"Who'11 do it, I wonder?" Rance seemed to triumph over her.