“You can't go,” Garson said sharply. “You might be caught.”
“And if I were,” Mary demanded in a flash of indignation, “do you think I'd tell?”
There came an abrupt change in the hard face of the man. Into the piercing eyes flamed a softer fire of tenderness. The firm mouth grew strangely gentle as he replied, and his voice was overtoned with faith.
“Of course not, Mary,” he said. “I know you. You would go up for life first.”
Then again his expression became resolute, and he spoke imperiously.
“Just the same, you can't take any chances. We'll all get away in a minute, and you'll come with us.” He turned to the men and spoke with swift authority.
“Come,” he said to Dacey, “you get to the light switch there by the hall door. If you hear me snap my fingers, turn 'em off. Understand?”
With instant obedience, the man addressed went to his station by the hall door, and stood ready to control the electric current.
The distracted girl essayed one last plea. The momentary softening of Garson had given her new courage.
“Joe, don't do this.”