“And now you will look at the pretty pictures; there it is, all ready. Now, look, there is a beautiful picture.”
The girl did as requested, and at least three minutes elapsed before she lowered the stereoscope. During that time Blanche had turned the pistol around, and taken each cartridge from its pocket; and quickly springing it back to place, she laid it upon the table, saying:
“There, you see I have not harmed your pistol at all, and when you have looked at the pictures you may have it.”
“Give it to me,” said the girl, as she grasped it and placed it in her pocket. “I would not lose it for the world. You see I must use it as sure as can be. I’d tell you, but I am afraid you would tell.”
“No, I would not.”
“But you would laugh at me, and call me silly just as they all did.”
“No, I would not.”
“Well, then, some time I will tell you all about it, but not now.”
“Bessie, Bessie,” called a voice outside.
“Oh, there’s Ross. Now, if I just knew where to hide. Can’t you hide me some place?”