Then—suddenly—an explosion, a flash, a report, a cry; and
Bideabout staggered back and fell.
A rush of wings.
The large bird that had vibrated above the water had been alarmed, and now flew away.
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE IRON-STONE HAMMER.
For a couple of minutes complete, death-like silence ensued.
Mehetabel, panting, everything swimming, turning before her eyes, remained motionless on her knees, but rested her hands on Thor's Stone, to save herself from falling on her face.
What had happened she hardly knew. The gun had been discharged, and then had fallen before her knees. Whom had it injured? What was the injury done?
She was unable to see, through the veil of tears that covered her eyes. She had not voice wherewith to speak.
Iver, moreover, stood motionless, holding to a willow. He also was ignorant of what had occurred. Was the shot aimed at him, or at Mehetabel? Who had fired?