11/45 I thought he was for beatin' my brains out, an' I up with my gun and fired. He was so close--that was how he got it all in the head. But ee might 'a' killed me just as well." He paused, staring at her with a certain anguished intensity, as though he were watching to see how she took it--nay, trying its effect both on her and himself. He did not look afraid or cast down--nay, there was a curious buoyancy and steadiness about his manner for the moment which astonished her. She could almost have fancied that he was more alive, more of a _man_ than she had ever seen him--mind and body better fused, more at command. |