Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/366

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH "Well, I do, and I'm going to hang this man. You can stay and see the job done, or you can leave, just as you please. Connors, replace that rope!"

I saw a quick movement of the girl's hand, an outstretched arm, the glitter of a steel barrel.

"Lieutenant Dunn," she said, her voice without a tremor, "I am a woman, but you are going to listen to me. If you move, or one of your men puts hand on the prisoner, I shall fire. You know whether or not I can shoot. This man is not a spy, and no military court would ever condemn him. You are seeking personal revenge, because he took your place and married me. It was a trick: I have never held it a legal ceremony, but now you force me to do so. I acknowledge this man as my husband; I acknowledge myself as his wife; and I dare you to lay violent hands upon him."

"You think that revolver will prevent," he sneered. "With one word my men would overpower you."

"Not before I could pull this trigger. But there is still another reason—Colonel Donald is now riding in through the gate. Within two more minutes he will be here. He knows Lieutenant King." Her hand dropped to her side, and her lips smiled. "Now, if you wish to, show your authority." [ 346 ]