Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/367

 Rh The surprise, the shock, of this unexpected development and threat was plainly evident. I heard Fox step back from the door, and speak earnestly to some one; Moran swore savagely.

"What force have you?" he roared, the insane question causing Harwood to laugh outright.

"Come, and find out," he answered mockingly. "It is no trouble to show goods. Better go back to the other end now, Sergeant," he added in lower voice, and gripped my hand. "The ball is about to open. Where is my lady cousin?"

"I put her on guard over the prisoner. She will be out of range there, and have something to do."

"And gives you another fighting man—I see. Queer duck, that preacher—a bit of a knave to my notion, and one of the finest liars I have ever heard; he'll bear watching. Ah! our friend the major has come to his senses—look yonder! They are moving back out of range."

"Ay! and concentrating a heavier body of men this way." "Of course; the first assault will be from the front. Tell Wharton to spare me two or three more men, and send a couple from your end. They may make a rush from all directions, but the real fight will be here; they are going to try us out, that is certain."