Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/255

 Rh then at Raymond, so startled at the discovery of their predicament as to be dazed. I took a step forward, and for the first time, she became aware of another person in the room. She drew hastily back, one hand flung out, as though in defense, for the instant failing to recognize me in citizen's clothes. Then the swift light of recognition leaped into her eyes, as she leaned forward to scan me more closely in the dim light of the single lamp. I could not tell, I could not be sure, yet I thought the expression on her face was one of relief, of rejoicing.

"You!" she exclaimed, as though not yet half convinced of the truth. "You here—and free! What what have you done to these men?"

I laughed lightly, so relieved by her reception as to feel a new man.

"Merely turned the tables; this time luck was on my side."

"You have not hurt them?"

"Oh, no; there was no necessity. They were quite easily persuaded. I was fortunate enough to gain possession of all the weapons, and neither gentleman seemed eager to prove a hero. As you perceive, they are like lambs."

They hardly looked it, for if ever murder glared unconcealed in the eyes of men, it did then; but they were helpless to move, or express themselves—at