Part 52 (1/2)

”So it appears. Where are the girls?”

”Over here. Say--say, Moore, when does the fight start? I--I'm just itching to get at somebody!”

”You'll have your chance in a moment. And it isn't in fun.

Understand?”

”Of course I understand! Isn't my gun loaded with bullets? Are we in a trap?”

”We are! And according to my calculations there's exactly one way out.

I think you and the girls will have no difficulty in breaking through.

Make a dash for it. Run for all you're worth!”

”Hold on there,” remonstrated Anthony, as his eyes lost a trifle of their sleepy look. ”What's to become of you? Going to make a break for it, too?”

Peter shook his head. ”It's me they're after. I can look out for myself, Anthony; this business isn't quite a novelty in my line. You must get out--and get quick!”

”And leave you behind? Not Anthony! I stick!”

Anthony was flas.h.i.+ng a length of highly polished gunmetal in his fist.

Romola with a trembling hand was applying a taper to the other candles.

Peter, observing that the twins were, to all appearances, sound asleep, approached her.

She paused in her work, holding the taper above her head, so that its gaunt rays flickered on his face. ”Because you loved me so?”

Her shoulders drooped, and her head rolled backward slightly, as though she were very tired. She nipped her lower lip between pearl-white teeth.

”Because I love you so?” she repeated dully.

”In some respects,” he said bitterly, ”you are like a certain snake in India. You can't lock those d.a.m.ned snakes up! They can always find a tiny hole, a slit in the cage, and--out they slip!”

”Ah, Peter----” Romola dropped the taper to the bronze altar, where it flickered a moment and went out. She fondled his reluctant hand between cold fingers. Her face became utterly miserable, and there were sparkling tears in her eyes. ”My heart is your heart. I have given my love to you. I would give my life for you!”

He drew away from her slowly, turning his head to avoid the anguish in her eyes.

He went on briskly: ”If my death is arranged for to-night----”

He stopped to watch her. She was fumbling at her waist. A little silver of light appeared. The thing was a slim stiletto. Her teeth were clicking as she extended the handle toward him. Their eyes met.

In hers was s.h.i.+ning a brute command. In his slowly came shock, amazement. She placed her fingers slowly over her heart; her hand slipped down and fell again at her side.

”There!” she murmured.

”Is--is my end so close?” he whispered.

She nodded slowly. ”You are in great danger. This may be your final opportunity. See? I am offering no resistance. Why--why do you hesitate?”