"Lock the door!" she ordered.
Sophie Carey stared at her. Mechanically she obeyed. She stared at her guest.
"Why—why—what's wrong?" she demanded. Her voice shook, and her eyes were frightened.
Clancy's eyes clouded. She wanted to weep. Not because of any danger that had menaced her—that might still menace her—not because of any physical reaction. But Sophie Carey had befriended her, and Sophie Carey was in the shadow of disgrace. And she, Clancy Deane, must tell the authorities.
"Your husband——" she began.
Mrs. Carey's face hardened. Into her eyes came a flame.
"He—he's dared to——"
There was a step on the veranda outside. Before Clancy could interfere, Sophie had strode by her and thrown open the door. Through the entrance came Carey, his bloodshot eyes roving. In his hand he held a revolver.