I sat near the window and the report of the weapon seemed to be behind me," Anne Nesbit informed them.
There was a concerted rush for the outer air, leaving the Overlanders to attend to Lum Bangs, who was now almost wholly restored to consciousness.

Julie Thompson was standing back a little from the group about him, gazing at Lum, a heavy frown on her forehead.

Grace nodded and smiled to the girl.
"Don't worry, Julie.

He will be all right in a few moments," soothed the Overland girl.
"I ain't worryin' fer the likes o' him," she replied, elevating her chin and turning her back on her escort.
The Overland girls looked at each other inquiringly.
"Ah hearn somethin' 'bout ye to-night, Lum Bangs, that ye don't know as Ah does know," she said, whirling suddenly on him.
"You-all ain't goin' back on me, are yuh, Julie ?" begged Lum.
"Naw.

Ah ain't goin' back on ye, cause Ah already has.