Page:Hornung - Irralies Bushranger.djvu/142



Irralie saw the whole truth in one blinding flash. And through all her terror there came an instant thrill of unutterable happiness. She loved and had delivered an innocent man; pure thankfulness for his innocence was her first overwhelming emotion; her next—was different. But it was characteristic of Irralie's case that even now she thought last of herself and the extremity she was in. To this, however, she was speedily recalled by the cool drawl of her villainous companion.

"Well! I never saw anything fall so flat!" said he. "Still, it's a matter for congratulation that you didn't sing out. I should certainly have shot you dead!"

"You dare not!"