Keith's voice, low but clear in the silence, seemed to cut the air.
"Not a motion, Hawley! I have you covered." "Oh, gentlemen, please don't!" "Have no fear, Miss Maclaire; this man and I will settle our differences elsewhere, and not in your presence." He stepped forth into the middle of the room, revolver drawn, but held low at the hip, his watchful eyes never deserting the gambler's face.
"Back up against the wall, Hawley," he commanded.

"I hardly need to tell you how I shoot, for we, at least, have met before.

Now, I'm going out, and leave you to your interview with Miss Maclaire, and I wish you happiness and success." He moved across to the opening, keeping his face toward his adversary; then backed out slowly, closed the door with a snap, and sprang aside to avoid any possibility of a bullet crashing after him.

No sound of movement from within reached his ears, however, and he walked silently to the head of the stairs..