Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/138

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH is kept in the kitchen. If you care to look inside I will get it for you."

"Now I have begun I should like to make a thorough job."

"Very well."

She was back in a moment, inserting the key in the lock. The room was dark, and I took a single step within, feeling in my pocket as I stood there for a match case. I had it open in my hand, still peering curiously into the black shadows, when the door crashed behind me, and I heard the sharp click of the key in the lock. An instant I balanced there, helpless from sudden surprise; then I hurled my body against the unyielding wood. [ 128 ]