But,
mark, me! if it comes to the worst, keep a bullet for _her_. Don't leave
her to the mercy of those savage devils. I know them. She had better die
ten times over than full into their brutal hands. You must use your own
discretion, though. I shall not be able to advise you then. Not a man of
them will be in this gallery till I am past praying for. Nevertheless, I
hope and believe all will be right. Don't trouble yourself to reload;
Fritz will do that for you. I have given him his orders. Aim very
coolly, too; we must not waste a bullet. You can choose your own sword;
there are several behind you. Ah! I hear them coming up. Now, men, to
your posts."
There was the tramp of many feet, and the surging of a crowd about and
against the hall door. Then a harsh, loud voice spoke:
"Onst for all, will ye give him up, or shall we take him, and serve the
rest of yez as bad? Ye've got women there, too--"
I will not add the rest of the threat for very shame. I know it made me
more wolfish than ever I thought it possible to feel, for I am a
good-natured man in the main. Mohun, who is _not_, bit his mustache
furiously, and his voice shook a little as he answered,
"Do you ever say a prayer, Pierce Delaney? You need one now.
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