Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/280

 "What are you goin' to do?" asked a tall masked figure.

"Don't worry, Dan. I'll look out for myself. You boys do the same and do it quick."

"We'll stan' by you if ye give the word," persisted Dan.

John left Stella's side, stepped to the men and growled:

"I've given the word. Run, and run like hell!"

"We don't like the orders, Chief, but orders is orders—git boys!"

The men quickly disappeared, and John took Stella's hand:

"Come, dearest, we must go."

"Yes," she answered, timidly clinging to his arm and holding him back.

"We must hurry," he urged.

"I won't hurry," she said with tender wilfulness.

"When a woman won't, she won't," John laughed.

She gently stroked his hand and slowly slipped her arm in his as she allowed him to lead her out into the moonlight beside the white silent pillars.

"Wait here until I bring the horses," John said, gently disengaging his arm.

Stella clung to him firmly.

"No, don't go yet. Why hurry? Let them