ent and
circumstance that might, by any possible chance, be turned to advantage.
When she saw that Duffel was resolved to put his threat in execution, she
determined to make him the victim instead of herself, if it were possible
to do so. In speaking of this reserved pistol he unconsciously placed his
hand in his pocket--a side coat pocket--and drew the weapon up, so that the
breech rested upon the upper and outer edge of the receptacle in the
garment. Eveline noticed this, and in a moment her plan of action was
formed. She did not like the thought of killing a human being, but as
Duffel had proceeded to such extremes, she felt that if it was not her duty
to slay him under the circumstances, she would, at least, be justifiable in
so doing. She, therefore, settled it in her mind to go to this extreme
length, much as she shrank from a deed of blood, in case the monster fired
at her. She took in the idea at once that a puff of smoke would conceal her
movements for a moment, and, under its friendly cover, feeling sure of her
ability to avoid the shot, she would smite the villain to the heart and
seize the pistol at the same instant, to use in case the thrust should
prove ineffectual. Having her mind divided between the two acts, both of
which must be done in the same breath, she did not aim the dagger with as
much precision as under other circumstances she might have done, and the
result was as already stated; the pistol, however, she safely secured; and
when she saw Duffel feel for it, and perceived his disappointment and alarm
at not finding it, she said:

"Here it is, sir, and for once you are in my power! It is now my turn!"

The miscreant cowered before her determined gaze.

"Prepare for your end!"

"I crave your mercy."

"_Mercy!_ You, vile, unmanly wretch! did _you_ show mercy?"

"I was excited,--spare me!"

"Down on your knees, then, and beg for your life!"

He hesitated to demean himself thus, she raised the pistol, and there was a
fire in her eye which spoke volumes to the craven soul of the poltroon. He
obeyed, fell upon his knees and begged his life at her hands, promising to
liberate her if she would grant his prayer. When he ceased pleading, and
paused for her reply, she answered:

"Know, base coward, that, woman as I am, I would scorn to take the life of
an unarmed enemy. I was only trying you to ascertain how low you would
degrade and how debasingly demean yourself to beg for mercy. I would have
ma