“And what if——”
He stopped abruptly. Both looked quickly towards the door. For some moments neither spoke. No sound broke the perfect stillness.
“Qu’est-ce que ca?” the woman asked in a nervous undertone, putting her hand on his arm. Both were still staring at the closed door.
“Wait, and I will see.”
He rose, but the woman clutched him.
“No, no,” she exclaimed hoarsely, “you must not go out there!”
“Indeed, I must, and I am going.”
He tried to shake her off, but she only tightened her hold.
“If you must—here,” and as she spoke she produced from under her skirt a small automatic pistol, pressed forward the safety-bolt, and slipped the weapon into his hand. Then she released him.
Noiselessly he stepped across the room on the thick carpet, placed his hand carefully on the door handle, turned it very slowly and gently drew open the door.