Blanche’s face grew slightly pale, for it certainly was not a very desirable position which she held at that moment, but her presence of mind did not forsake her, and in a coaxing way she said:

“What a pretty little pistol; will you let me see it?”

“Will you promise to give it back to me?”

“Yes, I will.”

“Let me shoot the head off that little bird first.”

“Please do not, some one might hear you.”

“Oh-h-h, yes, and then they would come after me. What is your name,” she asked, looking quickly around, “isn’t it——”

“What?” asked Blanche.

“Oh, I don’t dare to say; some other time maybe I will ask you about it.”

“My name is Blanche Elsworth. You may call me Blanche.”