"No!" he cried. "Quick! Write! I'll get you out!"
She dragged him towards the door. "Ah, come! come!" she beseeched him.
The very heart was dragged out of his breast, but he resisted her. "Choose!" he whispered. "A living death or happiness!"
For an instant their desperate eyes contended. Corinna read in his that he would never give in. She ran to the box and scribbled three lines. The knock was repeated below.
She handed him the sheet with averted head. Evan blew out the lamp. Hand in hand they ran softly down-stairs. The knock was repeated for the third time and a gruff voice commanded:
"Open the door or we'll break it down!"
Aunt Liza was in the lower hall whimpering: "Lawsy! What you gwine do, Miss?" And behind her they heard Simeon Deaves muttering confusedly: "What's the matter? What's the matter?"
Evan breathed in Corinna's ear. "The cellar door under the stairs. You lead the woman."
He felt for Simeon Deaves, and got his hand. "Follow me," he whispered. "I'll save you."
Deaves came unresistingly, his old wits in a daze. As Evan got the cellar door open the blows were falling on the front door. He flashed his light to show his little party the way down. He came last and closed the door. As he did so the front door went in with a crash. Joining the others, Evan whispered: