Do you care for me less because I confess this ?" "No." "But now," she went on, more softly still, her words barely audible, "my heart is with you here; with you, because I love you." We both glanced up swiftly, startled by the sound of heavy steps in the upper hall.

A man's head was thrust through the half-opened door at the top of the stairs.

Apparently he could not see any distance through the gloom, and I hailed him, although still retaining my clasp of the girl's hand.
"What is it, my man ?" "Sergeant Mahoney told me to find the lieutenant." "Well, you have; I am the one sought.

What's happening ?" "They're a-comin', sorr," his voice hoarse with excitement, and waving one hand toward the front of the house, "an' thar's goin' ter be hell ter pay this toime" "You mean the gray-backs?
From the front?
What force ?" "Domn'd if Oi know; Oi wasn't seein' out thar--the sergeant told me." I could not leave Billie down there alone, nor the door open.

Whoever the crazed assassin was, he must still remain somewhere in the cellar, watching for an opportunity to escape.