Mathison intervened. "Just a moment. I'll keep my hands up, but on condition that no indignity shall be offered this lady. Otherwise you will have to shoot me."
"No indignity will be offered the lady. So far as I am concerned, she does not exist. Her word that she is unarmed, and no one shall touch her."
"I give it." A diversion for his sake, and he had not taken profit! What was the meaning of this singular tameness?
"March up those steps, both of you. The lady will have to share your luck until it is advisable to release you. March!"
Mathison put his arm under Miss Farrington's and helped her up the icy steps. In the faintest whisper: "Do not lift up your veil while in this house. There is danger. Do not speak unless I give you the lead."
The door opened to admit them and they stood in a dimly lighted hallway.
"The parlor; you will find it comfortable."
Inside the parlor Mathison was ordered to halt. With a detached air he obeyed. Miss Farrington shuddered. She saw the man in the black handkerchief search the little pocket at the top of Mathison's trousers and extract a bit of paper, folded. What was it?
"A long chase, but we are patient. The receipt!... Yankee swine!" The man struck Mathison across the mouth, stepped back quickly, the automatic ready.
Mathison did not stir, but his tan faded; and presently a thin trickle of blood ran down his chin.