"Let your women fight for you." Gaston Isbel sat up with a start and his face turned livid.

Jean needed no more to prove that the derisive voice from outside had belonged to Jorth.

The old rancher lunged up to his full height and with reckless disregard of life he rushed to the window.

"Jorth," he roared, "I dare you to meet me--man to man!" This elicited no answer.

Jean dragged his father away from the window.
After that a waiting silence ensued, gradually less fraught with suspense.