“My God, that is Flora’s voice!” I cried.
“Come with me, gentlemen!” shouted the factor.
He led the way, with Burley and I at his heels. In a trice we were upstairs, and dashing along the hall.
“Help—help! Be quick!”
The summons guided us straight to Captain Rudstone’s room, from the open door of which streamed a yellow light. I was the first to pass the threshold, and I shall never forget the sight that greeted me—Flora holding a twisted paper in one hand and with the other pointing a pistol at Captain Rudstone, who stood six feet from her, with his back to a glowing stove; his face was very white, but his bearing was defiant.
“Seize him!” Flora cried, when she saw us.
Macdonald and Burley grabbed the captain, who did not resist. I caught hold of Flora, and she thrust the paper into my hand.
“Take it, Denzil,” she said faintly. “I saved it—”