"What's the matter with you, Dot ?" he said.
She clung to him desperately, still holding him back.

"I don't know--I don't know! But don't go that way! I have a horrible feeling--Ah!" The deafening report of a revolver-shot rang out suddenly close to them.
Hill turned with a sound in his throat like the growl of an angry animal, and in a moment he had thrust Dot back against the protecting corner of the wall.
"You are not hurt ?" she gasped.
"No; I am not." His words fell clipped and stern, though spoken scarcely above a whisper.

"Don't speak! Get back up the steps--as quickly as you can!" The command was so definite, so peremptory, that she had no thought of disobeying.

But as she moved there came to her the sound of running feet.
Hill stayed her with a gesture.

She saw something gleam in his hand as he did so, and realized that he was not defenceless.
Her heart seemed to spring into her throat.