He understood, and his breath was labored, his flesh palsied--and still he was going to obey.

For Ruth saw him move; saw him sway toward the door; saw Lawler watching him as though he was fighting to hold his passions in check, fighting back a lust to kill the man where he stood.
Warden had reached the door; he was crossing the threshold--his head bowed, his shoulders sagging, his legs bending at the knees--when Ruth moved.

She ran around the table and got between Lawler and Warden, stretching her arms in the open doorway, barring Lawler's way.

Her eyes were wild with terror.
"Don't, Kane!" she begged; "don't do that! Oh, I know what you mean to do.

Please, Kane; let him go--alone.