THE FIGHTING SHEPHERDESS
She did not answer, and he urged :
" Go on. Don't be afraid. You can tell me any- thing."
She replied in a strained voice :
" Pete Mullendore, he — "
A gust of wind blew the shoulder cape back and he saw her bare arm with the sleeve of her dress hanging by a shred.
"—he did this?"
" Yes. He — insulted — me — I — can't — tell — you — what — he — said."
"And then?"
" I scratched him and bit him. I fought him all over the place. He was chokin' me. I got to a quirt and struck him on the head — with the handle. It was loaded. He dropped like he was dead. I ran to my room and clum out the window — "
" Your mother — "
" She — laughed."
" God ! " He stooped and picked up the little bundle she had dropped at her feet. " Come along, Partner. You are going into the sheep business with ' Mormon Joe.'"
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