The very mystery, the bewilderment as to who had so viciously attacked the gambler and then spirited away the girl, would serve to facilitate our escape.

Theories as to how it had been accomplished would be endless and the pursuit delayed.
I stooped and removed a pistol from Kirby's pocket, dropping it, together with such ammunition as I could find, into one of my own.

The man by this time was breathing heavily, although his eyes remained closed, and he still lay exactly as he had fallen.
"Keep your own weapon," I commanded her.

"Hide it away in your dress.
Now come with me." She obeyed, uttering no word of objection, and stepping after me through the open window onto the narrow balcony without.

I reached up and drew down the shade, leaving us in comparative darkness.