Her excitement was almost unbearable.
She turned in Liz's direction.
Even in the darkness she could not fail to see the phosphorescent glare from the wild eyes of the woman that glittered like those of a cat.
With a quick dodge, Leonie passed her, sprawling over a chair in the darkness, but with the dexterity of mania Liz followed her.
A chase ensued that for dramatic horror could not be excelled, and yet, perhaps, the interest was felt most by the participator who was conscious of the terrible danger in which she was placed.
She still had the revolver clasped in her hand, being pretty sure that at least three chambers were still full, but that was to be used only as a last resort.
Then, to her surprise, Liz paused. She could see her quite distinctly by the glare in her eyes.
"Liz," she said, gently, "don't you know who I am? Why do you want to hurt me, dear? I am Leonie! Leonie, whom Dick loved, and who loves both you and him! Don't you know that, Liz?"
The woman laughed hoarsely.
"You can't deceive me!" she answered in a tone that was horrible. "You are Ben, and you have come to beat my poor boy when he is dying! But you shall not do it! Do you hear that? I have been a good wife to you, but it is ended now! You shall not beat my child again, and in order to keep you from it, I am going to kill you!"