"When you've fastened everything below, do the same on this floor and come back here—I want you."
"Y-y-yas—sah! R-r-r-right a-way, sah!"
Andy backed out, beckoning frantically to Minerva. She ignored him and watched Norton as he turned toward a window and looked vaguely out. As Andy continued his frantic calls she slipped to the doorway and whispered:
"G'long! I be dar in er minute. You po' fool, you can't talk nohow. You're skeered er de major. I'm gwine do my duty now, I'm gwine ter tell him sumfin' quick——"
Norton wheeled on her with sudden fury:
"Do as I tell you! Do as I tell you!"
Minerva dodged at each explosion, backing away. She paused and extended her hand pleadingly:
"Can't I put in des one little word, sah?"
"Not another word!" he thundered, advancing on her—"Go!"