He was a misshapen creature whom neither of us
ever saw before, and he disappeared on a run up that ravine. I have no
doubt he was Slavin's murderer."
No one spoke, the crowd apparently ashamed of their actions. But Brant
did not wait for any outward expression.
"Now, you fellows, think that over," he said. "I intend to post a
guard until I find out whether you are going to prove yourselves fools
or men, but if we sail in again those of you who start the trouble can
expect to get hurt, and pay the piper. That's all."
In front of the hotel porch he met his first sergeant coming out.
"What does the doctor say about Hampton?"
"A very bad wound, sir, but not necessarily fatal; he has regained
consciousness."
"Has Miss Gillis arrived?"
"I don't know, sir; there's a young woman cryin' in the parlor."
The lieutenant leaped up the steps and entered the house. But it was
Miss Spencer, not Naida, who sprang to her feet.
"Oh, Lieutenant Brant; can this be truly you! How perfectly awful you
look! Do you know if Mr. Hampton is really going to die? I came here
just to find out about him, and tell Naida.
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