Stephan spread out his hands.
“Then we will not need a lawyer,” he said grimly. Cunningham caught his meaning.
“How many people do you chaps plan to kill with them?”
Stephan smiled sadly.
“Not many. Only until we are left alone.”
“You people do need a guardian,” growled Cunningham. Maria was watching him with soft eyes that always just evaded meeting his. Cunningham felt that a tremendous responsibility was being thrust upon him. “Look here——”
There was a sharp knock at the door.
Cunningham hurled himself at the doorway to bar entrance until Stephan and Maria should have time to get away. All the Strangers were considered outlawed now. Cunningham had only their safety in mind, but Stephan misread his swiftness of movement. With lightninglike quickness he was on his feet with bared knife, darting likewise to the doorway.
Cunningham’s hand came down with a jerk. The knife flew from Stephan’s hand and stuck quivering in the floor. The next second Cunningham’s revolver was out.
“Steady!” he whispered sharply. “Steady!”