They were facing it now.

They were held up.
Hilma said nothing, only catching Annixter's hand, looking squarely into his eyes.
"Steady, little girl," he said.

"They can't hurt you.

I won't leave you.
By the Lord," he suddenly exclaimed, his excitement getting the better of him for a moment.

"By the Lord, it's a hold-up." The school-teachers were in the aisle of the car, in night gown, wrapper, and dressing sack, huddled together like sheep, holding on to each other, looking to the men, silently appealing for protection.