He had drawn Kate with him, and he now kept her before him, towards the door.
He began to whisper, swiftly, with a horrible tremble in his voice: "Stand between me, Kate.

Stand between me and him.

Talk for me, Kate.
Will you talk for me ?" He drew himself up and caught a long, shuddering breath.

"What have I been doin'?
What have I been ravin' about ?" He looked about as if he saw the others for the first time.
"Sit here, Buck," said Kate, with perfect quiet.

"Give me your hat.
There's nothing to fear.