re you kissed me
a little while ago. And but for this you would never have known that I
knew it, because, please God, whatever else I am, I am not coward enough
to take that advantage of you. But I love you, too! Rhoda! I have the
right to speak, the right our love gives me. You are not to go--that
way. Run--run through the side door there--they will not see you."

She was trembling. Repudiate her love? Tell him there could be nothing
between them because he was a thief? She might never live to see him
again. Her soul was in riot, the blood flaming hot in her cheeks. He was
clinging to her arm. She tore herself forcibly away. The seconds were
counting now. She tried to bid him good-by, but the words choked in her
throat. She found herself running for the front door.

"Sparrow--quick! Do as I told you!" she half sobbed over her
shoulder--and opening the door, stepped out and dosed it behind her.

XX. A LONE HAND

And now Rhoda Gray was in the radius of the arc lamp, and distinctly
visible to any one coming down the yard. How near were they? Yes, she
saw them now--three forms-perhaps a little more than a hundred yards
away. She moved a few steps deliberately toward them, as though quite
unconscious of their presence; and then, as a shout from one of them
announced that she was seen, she halted, hesitated as though surprised,
terrified and uncertain, and, as they sprang forward, she turned and
ran--making for the side of the shed away from the side door.

A voice rang out--Danglar's:

"By God, it's the White Moll!"

It was the only way! She had the pack in cry now. They would pay no
attention to the Adventurer while the White Moll was seemingly almost
within their grasp. If she could only hold them now for a little
while--just a little while--the Adventurer wasn't hurt--only cramped and
numbed--he would be all right again and able to take care of himself in
a little while--and meanwhile the Sparrow would help him to get away.

She was running with all her speed. She heard them behind her--the
pound, pound, pound of feet. She had gained the side of the shed. The
light from the arc lamp was shut off from her now, and they would only
be able to see her, she knew, as a dim, fleeting shadow. Where was that
iron casting? Pray God, it was heavy enough; and pray God, it was not
too heavy! Yes, here it was! She pretended to stumble--and caught the
thing up in her arms. An exultant cry went up from behind her as she
a