The sword above his head was quivering on its single hair and he was preparing to dodge the fall.

But it did not fall.
"You haven't had any supper, have you ?" purred Miss Pepper pityingly.
"It's too bad.

You poor thing! you must be awful hungry." She moved across the room and kissed him.

Abishai, who had prepared himself for a different sort of greeting, clutched his chair with both hands.

He looked as if he might faint.