Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/324

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH to learn the truth, was strong enough to overcome even the feud spirit, and, after a moment's hesitation, I felt the grip of his fingers. An instant I stared into the cool gray of his eyes in uncertainty; then turned and retraced my steps along the passage. The way was clear, the fire-screen standing open as I had left it, and the two of us crept out into the deserted hall, seeing no one. I peered cautiously down the stairs, finding O'Brien still on guard at the door. In a moment he glanced upward, saw me, and stepped instantly back to where he could take a quick survey of his surroundings. Apparently satisfied that he was alone, he came to the foot of the stairs, and asked in a stage whisper,—

"Did ye git her, sor?"

"No, not yet, but I need to speak with Miss Denslow. Do you know where she is?"

"She wint insoide the loibrary, sor, an' that 's the last I've seen of her."

"Get word to her to come to the front room up-stairs, but don't let any one else hear you."

I steered Daniels into the apartment designated, leaving the door open. The man seemed to have lost his nerve, from the way his hand trembled, although his eyes retained their deadly glint, and I knew he would prove dangerous enough if occasion warranted. I made him sit down in the nearest chair, and took my own position between him and the open door. I was not armed, and I doubted if he was any better fixed, except for the knife which he had picked up from the floor of the tunnel. But I no longer felt any fear of a personal contest with the [ 306 ]