It was all done in an instant. Before the sound of the shot I dropped, and then made a leap for the stair.
“Oh!” cried Luella anxiously; “were you hit?”
“No, I'm all right,” I said, “but it was a close shave. The gang means mischief.”
“Go up the stairs, and find a way out or a place to hide,” said Luella excitedly. “Give me the pistol. They won't hurt me. It's you they're after. Go, now.”
Her tone was the tone of the true daughter of the Wolf.
“Thank you, Miss Knapp. I have a pressing engagement here with a lady, and I expect to meet Mr. Corson in a few minutes.”
I stooped on an impulse and kissed the back of her gloved hand, and murmured, “I couldn't think of leaving.”
“Well, tell me something I can do,” she said.
I gave her my smaller revolver. “Hand that to me when I want it,” I said. “If I'm killed, get up the stairs and defend yourself with it. Don't fire unless you have to. We are short of ammunition.” I had but three shots in the large six-shooter.
“Are they coming?” asked Luella, as the wild tumult of shouts stilled for a moment and a single voice could be heard.