Releasing his hand from his victim’s throat, Major Walden wrenched himself free from the intruder’s clutch, and planting his foot upon the prostrate man, turned defiantly.
“Is it murder to kill a reptile—a miserable, venomous viper?� he hissed.
“Good God! It is the Major. Have you gone mad, friend? What does this mean?�
“It means that I’ve nearly or quite squeezed the life out of that villain Teasdale. I’ll assure you I shall not let him go till I’ve finished him.�
“Markham! O Markham!�
“Agnes!� he faltered, as he heard the tones of her voice, so pathetic in its intensity.
She stood before him, her hands clasped, her pale face agonized with fear and supplication.
It was a scene for a painter. The gladiatorial attitude of the Major, the frightened faces of Lissa, Elinor, and Alice, with Nathan and Mark standing at either side as rescuers.
“‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord,’� feebly quoted Agnes.
The Major’s hands fell. He took his foot from Teasdale’s body as the man began to breathe and struggle to rise.