The three who had so far remained non-combatants could maintain that
role no longer.
"Drop thet gun," yelled one as their own weapons leaped out. But
Alexander had thrown herself to the ground and at the same instant she
fired a single shot--not at any one of her jailers, but at the sole
remaining lantern, which was only ten feet distant.
Then as the place went black she came to her feet and plunged through
the darkness to the opposite wall where she had marked a pulpit-like
rock that would give her temporary shelter.
She guessed rightly that now for a while at least since she was known
to be armed, there would be a hesitation in the relighting of lanterns
or even in the striking of matches. That caution, in a situation which
had abruptly undergone a change of complexion, went farther. There was
even no sound of voices or of movement.
Alexander herself was groping warily for the rock, setting down each
foot with extreme and noiseless caution. At last she gained the
protection which she sought and waited. She wished she might have
regained her rifle but that had not been lying within reach when she
made her hurricane entrance into action.
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