The hand that had
directed the first bullet was ready to direct the second.
All this took place within the count of ten. The girl and I sat
stiffly in our chairs, as if petrified, it was all so swiftly
accomplished.
"Drop it!" said a cold, authoritative voice, and I saw the vague
outlines of Haggerty's face beyond the broken window-pane.
William knew better than to hesitate. His revolver struck the floor
dully, and a curse rolled from his lips. Immediately a heavy body
precipitated itself against the door, which crashed inward, and an
officer fearlessly entered, a revolver in each hand. This tableau,
which lasted fully a minute, was finally disturbed by the entrance of
Haggerty himself.
"Don't be alarmed, Miss," he said heartily; "it's all over, I'm sorry
for the bullet, but it had to be done. The rascal has nothing more
serious than a splintered bone, I am a dead shot. A fine
night!"--triumphantly. "It's been a long chase, and I never was sure
of the finish. You're the cleverest rogue it has been my good fortune
to meet this many a day. I don't even know who you are yet. Well,
well! we'll round that up in time."
Not till the candles again sputtered with light, and William was
securely handcuffed and disarmed, did I recollect that I possessed the
sense of motion.
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