Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/325

THE TESTIMONY OF A WITNESS fellow: tough and sinewy as he was, my knowledge of boxing made me more than his match, and I was determined that if any trouble started I should strike the first blow.

We may have been there ten minutes, our eyes on the door, myself standing rigid and expectant, but Daniels fidgeting nervously and evidently half suspicious that he was being made the victim of some trick. Twice he half arose to his feet, an oath on his lips, yet I succeeded in quieting him, although he sat on the very edge of the chair, ready to spring at the slightest alarm. I could not wonder at his trepidation under the circumstances, for he was in the home of hereditary foes, with only my word as assurance of safety. I heard the soft pressure of feet on the stairs, and then the swish of a dress in the hall. Daniels was on his feet instantly, crouching like a wild animal, but I held him back with a grip upon his arm.

"Stay where you are," I whispered sternly, "it is only the girl coming."

For the first second she appeared to perceive me only, her eyes searching my face in one quick, questioning glance; then she saw Daniels, and she reeled back against the side of the door, flinging out her hands, the expression of her face picturing startled recognition.

"You!" she burst forth, before I could speak,—"Lieutenant King, what is this man doing here?"

I caught the extended hand, drew her within the room, and closed the door. She seemed to yield to me without effort at resistance, but still stared into Daniels's face [ 307 ]