The success of the plot depended on the next five minutes.
"What are you staring at?
Look at me, can't you?
What eyes you have! And what hair!" At that instant the report of a musket-shot broke the silence.

The mutiny had begun! The sound awoke the soldier to a sense of his duty.

He sprang to his feet, and disengaging the arms that clung about his neck, made for the door.

The moment for which the convict's accomplice had waited approached.

She hung upon him with all her weight.