Better to meet the issue squarely--and I believed I knew
how it could be done. I grasped the curtain, drew it down twice in
signal, and stepped into the room.
"I am going to take command here now, Billie," I said with new
sternness. "All you need to do is obey orders."
CHAPTER XXI
WE CAPTURE THE HOUSE
If she was startled and frightened before, she was doubly so now at this
sudden revolt on my part. But I had no time then for explanation, only
for the stern exercising of authority. If I was right, if deep down in
the girl's heart there was love for me, she would forgive this action as
soon as she realized its purpose--aye! she would respect me the more for
daring the deed.
"Don't attempt to interfere now, my girl; go over to the big chair and
sit down."
My revolver was in my hand, and she saw it, her eyes wide open.
"You--you are not going to hurt them?"
"No, not if they use any sense, but this is not going to be boys' play.
Will you do as I say?"
She sat down, gripping the arms of the chair, and leaning forward, half
inclined to scream, yet afraid to utter a sound. Without taking my eyes
from her, I slipped across the room to where I would be partially
concealed as the door opened. I knew what I was going to do, or, at
least, attempt to do, and realized fully the risk I ran, and the chance
of failure.
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