Bryant had insulted him at the ford; he was attempting to rob him and his father; he had insolently threatened the elder Menocal; he stopped at nothing; and now he was intruding here and deceiving Louise with his arrogant pretentions.

He came on Dave, standing beside the car and examining the latch of a door.
"Keep your hands off that!" he snapped.

At the same time he gave the boy a cuff that sent him sprawling.

"That will teach you!" In two bounds Lee Bryant was at the spot.

He caught the still-extended hand in an iron grip.
"You miserable coward! Striking a boy!" he said, harshly.