'If you move a step toward that door,' she threatened, 'I am going to shoot!'
Sanchia sneered. Then she paused. And finally she laughed contemptuously.
'You little fool,' she whispered back, cautious that no syllable might enter the adjoining room. 'I don't need to go rushing in there, after all. And you know it. That stuff,' and she glanced briefly at the rock on the table, 'got into my blood for a second. I'll take my time now; and I'll get what I want.'
As they stood in silence, Helen making no answer, they heard what the men were saying.
'—just this if nothing more,' came the end of Howard's entreaty. 'Don't tell Sanchia.'
Promptly came the angry answer:
'Mind your own business, young man! And, until you are asked for advice, hold your tongue!' At the end of the command the door snapped open and Longstreet popped into the room.
Sanchia, her cool poise regained, made no step toward him but contented herself by a slow comprehensive and sympathetic smile. Howard came quickly to Helen, stooped to her and whispered:
'I can't do a thing with him. But come outside with me a second; I think I know what to do.'
She flung down the heavy gun and went with him. Ten paces from the cabin they stopped together.