"There are two in this room," Mrs. Orban replied. "Could you use one if necessary?"
"Oh, for mercy's sake don't let Master Eustace have a gun in his hands!" said Mary. "There's no saying which of us he might shoot in mistake if he began playing with one."
"Playing with one!" repeated Eustace scornfully; "why, father says my shooting is very good for my age."
Mrs. Orban took a revolver from a cupboard and gave it into the boy's hands.
"It is loaded," she said, and now there was the suspicion of a quiver in her voice; "but realize I am trusting you to be sensible. Don't shoot at random. Remember what Bob said last night. You are only to fire if terribly necessary. Now jump into Becky's bed, or you will be getting a chill and fever."
From beneath her own pillow she drew out a second revolver, examined it, and set it on a table within easy reach.
"Mother," said Eustace in surprise, "do you always sleep with a revolver under your pillow?"
"Only when your father is away," was the reply. "Now, Mary and Kate, get into my bed. I am going to sit in this cosy chair with Miss Becky. We will talk and keep the light burning; but it is my belief nothing more will happen to-night."
The maids obeyed, still looking terrified, and then Mrs. Orban seated herself, with Becky in her arms, near the table where the revolver lay.
Thus they prepared to face the remaining hour of darkness, powerless to do anything, utterly helpless, with nerves strung to the highest possible pitch, and hearts that beat wildly at every sound.