In an instant all the floating forms in his brain assumed one shape and held it.
The judge must be his first consideration.

He had been shot down without cause, and might pay his life for it.

There was but one thing to do: to find the real culprit, give him up, and take the consequences.
Slipping the note in one pocket and the revolver in another, he hurried down-stairs.
On the lowest step he found Mrs.Hollis sitting in the dark.

Her hands were locked around her knees, and hard, dry sobs shook her body.
In an instant he was down beside her, his arms about her.

"He isn't dead ?" he whispered fearfully.
Mrs.Hollis shook her head.