"Now tie his feet to the legs of the chair," said Merriam. "Jennie, you can help. Jump down and tie his right foot while Margery ties the left."
But Jennie, still on the table, shook her pretty head.
"I'd rather dance," she said, and regardless of the lack of music she folded her arms and began to do the steps of the Highland Fling.
"Let her alone," said Margery, who had gone down on her knees and was at work on the left foot.
Jennie tossed her head and quickened the tempo of her dance, keeping her eyes on Crockett, who, though still swallowing with difficulty, affected to regard her with interest.
Margery crossed to Crockett's other side and knelt again. In a moment she completed her labours and rose, her cheeks a little reddened by her posture and vigorous work.
"There!" she said, looking straight at Merriam, as if she were a soldier reporting to his officer.
"Thank you very much," said the young man.
He loosened the noose, leaving it still in place, however, about Crockett's neck. Then he stepped to the side of the table and held out his arms to Jennie.
"Come!" he said, "I'll lift you down."