Helen shrieked at the pollution of his lips; and as he more fiercely held her, her hand struck against the hilt of his dagger.

In a moment she drew it, and armed with the strength of outraged innocence, unwitting whether it gave death or not, only hoping it would release her, she struck it into his side.

All was the action of an instant while, as instantaneously, he caught her wrist, and exclaiming, "Damnable traitress!" dashed her from him, stunned and motionless to the ground.
The weapon had not penetrated far.

But the sight of his blood, drawn by the hand of a woman, incensed the raging Soulis.

He called aloud on Macgregor.