It was that which kept
her alive. She knew the truth with her heart. And while she thrilled
at the sound of every step, she also shuddered, for there was Durade
with his desperadoes. Blood would be spilled. Somewhere, somehow,
that meeting would come. Neale would rush to her. And the cowboy!
... Allie remembered the red blaze of his face, the singular,
piercing blue of his eye, his cool, easy, careless air, his drawling
speech--and underneath all his lazy gentleness a deadliness of blood
and iron.
So Allie Lee listened to all sounds, particularly to all footsteps,
waiting for that one which was to make her heart stand still.
Some one had entered the room adjoining hers and was now fumbling at
the rude door which had always been barred from the other side. It
opened. Stitt, the mute who attended and guarded her, appeared,
carrying bundles. Entering, he deposited these upon Allie's bed.
Then he made signs for her to change from the garb she wore to the
clothes contained in the bundles. Further, he gave her to understand
that she was to hurry, that she was to be taken away. With that he
went out, shutting and barring the door after him.
Allie's hands shook as she opened the packages. That very hour might
bring her freedom. She was surprised to find a complete outfit of
woman's apparel, well made and of fine material.
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