He raised his hand.

A shriek in the street below answered the movement; some who stood nearest saw that he held a pistol and gave the information to others, and there was a wild rush to escape.

But before the hammer dropped, a hand closed on his, and Soane, crying, 'Are you mad, sir ?' dragged him back.
Dunborough had not entertained the least idea that any one stood near him, and the surprise was as complete as the check.

After an instinctive attempt to wrench away his hand, he stood glaring at the person who held him.

'Curse you!' he said.