Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/275

 used to capture the scoundrels who committed the outrage on old Nicaroshinski."

"Hush! hush! before I scream!" Stella cried in anguish, placing her hand on his lips.

Suddenly a white figure stood before the window and his whistle rang through the still night.

Stella sprang to her feet gasping, with horror:

"My God! they've come: I must save you! Hide! Hide and give me your revolver—they shall not take you—quick—quick—hide!"

"But, my dear, there's not the slightest danger. No man who wears that uniform will lift his hand against me—see, I'm going to answer his call with my own signal."

He lifted the whistle to his lips and she snatched it from his grasp.

"Don't! Don't for God's sake, don't! you don't understand—Oh!—John—darling—I love you! I love you!"

She threw herself into his arms and kissed him, passionately sobbing.

"I've tried to hate you, dear, but I couldn't—I couldn't—I know now I've loved you always! I must save you, God help me!"

"Well, sir?" called a voice without.

"It's all right! Come in, boys!" he answered before Stella could stop him. She huddled in his arms paralysed for the moment with terror.