"No, there are plenty of men outside with me," she exclaimed abruptly. "I shouldn't have asked that question," he continued in the same tone. "I know you're alone. You say 'men' because you're afraid of me----" "I'm not the least afraid of you. And don't deceive yourself. There are men here." "But they are mostly in bottles, Kate--and in pieces. Live men don't ride up to a place like this without making a noise. Flat Nose George is the only man here besides me, outside the alcohol, and I can claim him as well as you can." "I'm sure you would feel perfectly at home with Flat Nose George," she retorted swiftly. If the words stung, Laramie kept his temper. "Probably there's a good deal I deserve that you haven't heard about me," he said slowly. "But from the way you talk, you've heard a few things maybe I don't deserve. Nobody's got any right to class me with Flat Nose George or anybody else in Carpy's museum." "You've classed yourself with him," she exclaimed vehemently. "Defending cattle thieves and harboring them! Everyone knows that!" "I did talk rough to your father this morning. I was pretty angry. Just the same, don't believe everything you hear about me. At present, it's just us two. What do you want to do, surrender to me?" "No!" she snapped the word out furiously. "I won't, not if you kill me." "Suppose I surrender to you? What do you want me to do--stick up my hands? So far, they haven't been up--if I remember right. But I expect I'll have to learn sometime how to surrender." "I want no surrender, no parley with you. The doctor told me his house was empty and directed me here for the dressings. When I come, I find you. I'll get away at once. Before I go----" "No, I'll go. But let me turn on the light." He stepped to the door and pressed the button. "I wanted," he continued, as a light flooded the queer room, "to have just one look at you before I go." She stood before him quite unafraid. Her eyes flashed as if she were actually mistress of the situation instead of really helpless in the presence of her father's most resourceful enemy. Laramie half-smiled at her serenity: "Why don't you go?" she exclaimed. Still regarding her, he shifted his position a little and replied with entire good-nature: "I only live along, from one sight to another of you. I'm just filling up, like a man at a spring. You don't object to my only looking at you for a minute?" "I object to being delayed and annoyed," she declared in a blaze. "I've come here for dressings needed for wounded men----" "Well, so have I, if you must have it." "I was sent here by Doctor Carpy for things he wants tonight; you have no more right here helping yourself to his property than you have taking other people's." "Don't say I take other people's property!" Laramie spoke fiercely. "Don't call me a thief." His words burned with anger. "My hands may not be as white as yours--they're just as clean!"