Page:Red Rugs of Tarsus.djvu/156

 THE RED RUGS OF TARSUS

Christie and Herbert were at the gate, sur- rounded by regular soldiers. But we did not see the tall figure of Miner Rogers. Joy and apprehension were strangely mingled. I ran first to the door leading to the balcony. Up the steps came Daddy Christie. Herbert and Henri were behind, evidently trying to keep people from following them. Daddy Christie said, "Thank God, you're safe: where is Mary?" I led him to our study. People seemed to rise up from nowhere, crowding about us. Jeanne had instinctively taken Mary into her own room, and Daddy Christie followed.

It may have been minutes or hours. I shall not know. After the lapse of a few hours, it seems to me that I am writing fiction. Per- haps I make it up as I go along. Never again shall I believe in the accuracy of testimony given on the witness-stand about what hap- pened in moments of stress.

Turning so that I looked towards the double- [136]

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