Provine nodded easily.
Big Basford spoke sullenly.
“Yes, sir,” he said.
“All right. Now, my girl, consider. There is on Sky Line a secret place——”
“I’ve always thought so,” said Nance decidedly.
“Be quiet. A place which the whole of Nameless is not likely to find, so mysteriously is its entrance hidden. One could live there for a lifetime undiscovered—or be taken out as if on wings——”
“Like Bossick’s disappearing steers!”
Arnold was exasperated, but held his temper.
“Exactly,” he said, “if you will. Now consider again. You are a pretty fine specimen of a woman—quite likely to appeal to men—especially to men long denied feminine companionship—like Basford there.”
Nance flung a glance at Basford. His sullen, lowering face set in its thicket of beard with the red-rimmed eyes above was enough to chill the heart of any woman. The great ape-like body added its own threat. Her own intrepid spirit felt a shock of horror, but that deep anger in her left little room for fear.