Lanty struck viciously, and the other man called between his teeth:
“Here, Ab—help me hold him”
Ab Ranger came, but it took another yet to hold Lanty, who, perfectly sober, was at length mastered by sheer weight and held helpless, whilst his neighbours strove to rescue what of his goods they could. And then for a little time hot-headed Lanty, moved beyond himself, raved and cursed, and gave colour to any supposition his neighbours cared to adopt regarding his condition. Mabella approached him fearfully, yet her heart was high with the courage which had enabled her to keep him from harm’s way. But Lanty with an oath bade her begone. Horrified, she fled to where Mrs. Simpson held Dorothy, and clasping her child in her arms fell upon her knees, crying, from which position she was raised by Sidney’s gentle touch. He was white-faced and terribly excited.
“Have you seen Vashti?” he asked Mabella when he had drawn her to her feet.
“No,” began Mabella. “I——”
“Here I am,” said Vashti in even tones, from near where they stood. “I have been here some little time, but Mabella has been too busy to see me.”
Then she turned away and went over to where the men still held Lanty.
“What’s the matter?” she demanded, her great eyes blazing, her face white as death.
“Lanty ain’t himself,” said Ab Ranger.
“You are crazy!” said Vashti contemptuously.