A WOMAN'S PRISONER The scene before me, the expression on the three faces, caused me to smile.

I came forth with no definite plan of action, trusting, as one must at such times, wholly to luck.

There was no means of escape apparent, yet my mind was cool, and I was prepared to take advantage of any opportunity.

I saw the flash of the sergeant's revolver, the captain's sudden recoil, his hand tugging at his sword-hilt, and glimpsed something in the depths of Billie's eyes that puzzled me.
"Good-morning, gentlemen," I said easily.
So far as Slade was concerned it was evident that all he saw was the uniform, his revolver instantly covering me, held in a hand steady as rock; he even grinned amiably across the barrel.

But the expression on Le Gaire's face changed from startled surprise to relief.