The possibility alluded to would have been killed by the coolness of Shadow's demeanor, by his quick-witted promptness taking his measures to disconcert the villains, by the exhibition of courage displayed by him.
The whole thing could never be a part of a woman's character.
Only a man, and not an ordinary man at that, could have acted as Shadow did under those trying circumstances.
He showed no disconcertion whatever when so suddenly attacked.
Agile as a cat in every movement, he gave a backward spring the moment they broke cover.
Before they could reach him, his hand had clasped the butt of his revolver.
The next second it was out.
They had then reached him—had him hemmed in, but he forced a passage by grimly pointing his revolver at the head of one of them.
He uttered not a word.
He did not forget himself, nor cease to maintain that singular silence which he seemed to have forced upon himself.