Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/130

 114 of ruffians might appear, and I was helpless there alone to contend against them. Indeed there was no way in which we could hope to protect ourselves, unless it was by flight through the storm. There might yet be time for that effort, although it was impossible to decide which might prove the safer road to choose. I had arrived on foot, yet surely Miss Harwood must have a riding horse stabled somewhere close at hand. These considerations flashed through my mind, as I stared into Nichol's face. The house was silent; the only sound the noise of wind and rain, the anxious breathing of the girl pressing against my shoulder. I dared not move, dared not avert my gaze from the preacher; there was hatred and treachery in the depths of his eyes.

"Is there a lock on the parlor door leading into the hall?" I asked.

"A bolt—yes."

"Please close and bolt it, and then come back here."

I heard her turn and cross the room; caught the sound as she shot the bolt, and her light step again on the floor.

"Now, something to tie this man with. We must be quick—the table-cloth will do! sweep that clutter of dishes onto the floor. Good! now cut me the cord from that picture."