From the slim, black barrel of the girl's revolver leaped forth a sudden spurt of smoke and flame, and the special constable lurched back against the cell bars, caught himself as he half fell, and then stood with his pistol arm hanging limp and useless at his side.

He had not made a sound, but his face was twisted in pain.
"Open the cell door!" A second time the deadly-looking little gun was pointed straight at Pelly's heart.

The half-smile was gone from the girl's lips now.

Her eyes blazed a deeper fire.

She was breathing quickly, and she leaned a little toward Pelly, repeating her command.