At this juncture Shirley motioned to Stevens to leave the room; the next instant revealed a revolver which they took from Challoner's hip-pocket.
"Is the thing loaded?" queried McGrath. Together they examined it; then simultaneously they glanced in the direction of the women.
"Ma'am—ladies," said Mixley, crossing the room, "we're fair people, and Prosecutor Murgatroyd is fair. You seen us take this here firearm from Mr. Challoner just now, didn't you?"
Miriam and Shirley nodded in acknowledgment. Challoner dropped back into his former position and continued to snore.
Mixley came closer to them and requested that they take a good look at it.
"Don't give it to me," cried Shirley, eluding the outstretched hand and its contents.
"Give it to me," said Miriam, unhesitatingly.
McGrath crowded up.
"You see that there's five chambers loaded, don't you, Mrs. Challoner?"
Mrs. Challoner turned the revolver upside down and looked at it helplessly.