He could be dealt with there even to better advantage than in the cabin, and, noncombatant as he undoubtedly was, I felt it safer to place him beyond power to create any alarm.

The task confronting me was far too serious to leave our rear unguarded.

I slipped silently along the short passageway, and, watching his back closely, investigated the lock on the pantry door.
It was of the spring variety, easily set to fasten, and could not be operated from the inside.

As I pressed in the catch there was a clicking sound, which caused the negro to turn around, the whites of his eyes gleaming oddly.
"Oh, my Lordy! I nebber heard you, Massa Craig.

By golly, sah, dis yere niggah sure thought he was shot." "Not yet, Louis," I replied quietly, standing in the opening, one hand still on the latch.