“Come,” he urged, “don’t be foolish!”
He caught her by the wrist, and his grip was so fierce and painful that a little cry was drawn from her. Thereupon the door flew open leading into the hall, and Mrs. McGee bounced in. There was fire and fury in her manner.
“Ye rapscallion!” she cried. “It’s me that will be scrapin’ the two eyes out av yer head av yez don’t let go av the young leddy.”
Barlow was thrown into a rage. Time was precious to him, and he knew the loud voice of Mrs McGee would bring some one hurrying to the spot.
“Stand back!” he said. “I’m the commander here, Mrs. McGee, and I won’t stand any of your nonsense.”
But her rush was so fierce that he released the arm of the girl to defend himself.
“No matter phat yez are, ye’re no gintleman!” Mrs. McGee told him, as she scratched and struck at his face. “Run!” she panted to the girl. “Git outside and yell fer help, while I fight this divil here. I knew he was plannin’ the black deed. Run fur yer life!”
The girl started to run.
Barlow caught the old woman by the throat now and jammed her heavily against the wall; and, when she still fought and scratched at him, he dealt her a smashing blow between the eyes that dropped her like an ox in the shambles.
As she fell he sprang over her and dashed after May Arlington, who was running through the corridor, gasping in an attempt to make an outcry that would bring help. He overtook her with quick leaps before she gained the outside door, and again his hand fell on her arm.