“Drumhead.... They’ve been after you a long, long while.”
“Then—what are you waiting for?”
He was silent.
She found it hard to control the nervous tremor of her limbs and lips. The dryness in her throat made speech difficult.
“Then—if there is no chance——”
He bent forward swiftly and snatched her revolver from the table as her small hand fell heavily upon the spot where the weapon had rested.
“Would you do that?” he said in a low voice.
The desperate young eyes answered him. And, after a throbbing silence: “Won’t you let me?” she asked. “It is indecent to h-hang a—woman—before—men——”
He did not answer.
“Please—please—” she whispered, “give it back to me—if you are a—soldier.... You can go to the door and call them.... Nobody will know.... You can turn your back.... It will only take a second!”