speeches?"

"I made no pretty speech," said Ford. "I proclaimed a fact. You are
the most charming person that ever came into my life, and whether
Prothero shoots us up, or whether we live to get back to God's
country, you will never leave it."

The girl pretended to consider his speech critically. "It would be
almost a compliment," she said, "if it were intelligent, but when
you know nothing of me--it is merely impertinent."

"I know this much of you, " returned Ford, calmly; "I know you are
fine and generous, for your first speech to me, in spite of your
own danger, was for my safety. I know you are brave, for I see you
now facing death without dismay."

He was again suddenly halted by, two sharp reports. They came from
the room directly below them. It was no longer possible to pretend
to misinterpret their significance.

"Prothero!" exclaimed Ford, "and his pistol!"

They waited breathlessly for what might follow: an outcry, the
sound of a body falling, a third pistol-shot. But throughout the
house there was silence.

"If you really think we are in such danger," declared Miss Dale,
"we are wasting time!"

"We are NOT wasting time," protested Ford; "we are really gaining