But the present was not yesterday or the day before.

It was a moment of grim necessity--and the tiny weapon gave him the satisfaction of knowing that he was not entirely helpless against the javelins.

It would shoot as far as the stockade, and it might topple a man over if he hit him just right.

Anyway, it would make a noise.
A noise! The grin that had come into his face died out suddenly as he looked at Celie.

He wondered if to her had come the thought that now flashed upon him--if it was that thought that had made her place the revolver in his hand.