She looked ugly at that moment.
"You're just capable of strikin' a woman," sneered Madge Scarlet. "I've seen such critters before. God never meant them for men, however."
Mr. Elliston held his hand. He saw that he had come near making a mistake.
"Forgive me, Mrs. Scarlet," he said in a subdued voice. "I was beside myself, but I had reason to be. Do you know that Nell Darrel is armed?"
"No."
"She IS, nevertheless, with a pistol. She's a perfect tigress, and would as soon shoot me as not. I shall leave it for you to get the weapon from her."
"I can do it easy enough."
"I hope so. To-night I will have more definite plans. I may conclude to take the girl away then."
Mr. Elliston passed from the room. He had been gone but a few minutes when another person entered—Nick Brower, the tool and friend of Mrs. Scarlet and the Professor.
"Well, what's the news, Nick. My nephew is still in durance vile?"