he belief that this entire evening was
nothing more than an exciting romantic game.

In the pinch, would Anthony react after the fashion of
heroes-to-the-manner-born, or would the sight and smell of blood, if it
Was written that blood be shed, unnerve him, make him out to be what he
was at heart, the secretary of a prosperous and peaceful plow company?

On his part, Anthony was still babbling incoherently but earnestly,
impressing upon Peter the undeniable virtues of the golden wine. He
was not prepared, although the nickeled revolver still flashed in his
unoccupied hand, for the tumultuous event which was being shaped for
the two of them around the corner.

They did not attain the outer door. Out of the drab recesses leaped
dusky shadows. There seemed to be a large number of jostling men;
perhaps only three or four were at hand by actual count; the
insufficient lighting and their shocking and determined appearance lent
them plurality.

A sparkling flame roared from the hand of the foremost of these before
Peter could bring his hand out of his pocket.

Anthony's nickeled revolver went off twice, from his hip, and the giant
faltered, going back shapelessly among the shadows from which he had
emerged.

Peter's original scheme to hack a way through the line underwent hasty
revision. Escape would have to be made by different channels, and his
only choice was the device nearest at hand. It was a long chance, an
aimless one, perhaps, fraught with new, dangers and complications. But
he did not hesitate.

Beating off a hand that pawed for his shoulder, he flung open the door
which faced the dwelling's entrance, and pushed the reluctant Anthony
inside.

Peter locked the door, throwing a bench across it for temporary
barricade, then lit candles, wondering if any one would have had enough
foresight to disconnect the aerial wires. He dropped his burden to the
divan against the side wall, and examined Anthony, who had gone very
pale. He was shaking, and his gray eyes seemed to have climbed half
way out of his head. He propped Peggy tenderly beside her sister, and
laid an unsteady hand upon Peter's shoulder. He seemed to be fighting
down a very definite fear.

Peter was backing toward the apparatus. "Watch the door. If any one
tries to break in, shoot straight at the sound! You're not hurt, are
you? Did that fellow get you?"

Anthony shivered all over. "Christ!" he muttered. His lips were
white. "That m