"How dared you take, it out of my hand!" "Oh, I thought you wished it put away because the sight of a pistol is unpleasant to me." And they heard the dress trailing across the room again.
"Stop!" cried the general, in a commanding tone.
"Just as you please, general.

You can have the pistol, if you want it," answered Mrs.Abercrombie, without the smallest tremor in her voice.
"Shall I get it for you ?" "No!" He flung the word out angrily, giving it emphasis by an imprecation.

Then followed a growl as if from an ill-natured beast, and they could hear his heavy tread across the floor.
"Oh, general!" came suddenly from the lips of Mrs.Abercrombie, in a surprised, frightened tone.

Then followed the sound of a repressed struggle, of an effort to get free without making a noise or outcry, which continued for a considerable time, accompanied by a low muttering and panting as of a man in some desperate effort.
Mr.and Mrs.Craig stood with pale faces, irresolute and powerless to help, whatever might be the extremity of their neighbor.

To attempt a forcible entry into the room was a doubtful expedient, and might be attended with instant fatal consequences.