Mara was armed and she had so far recovered her self-possession as to bid defiance to them.
“She means business,” ejaculated the foremost of the would-be captors.
“Fire and furies!” roared the chief, urging his horse forward to the front of his men, “we——”
But Mara’s ringing tone checked his speech.
“Advance another step at the peril of your life.”
“Traitors!” hissed the others, “your lives shall pay for this.”
“Explain your errand,” said Colonel Morland, again speaking. “My doors are open [to the al——]”
“[Old man, lie]. By your side stands as great a traitor as you ever knew. We want him or her as the case may be and we——”
The sharp report of a rifle suddenly drowned his speech.
With a low groan Colonel Morland sank to the floor.