.. Let me warn you, Durade. Be careful, once in
your life! ... You're welcome to what gold is left there."
Durade shoved back the gold so fiercely that he upset the table, and
its contents jangled on the floor. The spill and the crash of a
scattered fortune released Durade's men from their motionless
suspense. They began to pick up the coins.
The Spaniard was halted by the gleam of a derringer in Hough's hand.
Hissing like a snake, Durade stood still, momentarily held back by a
fear that quickly gave place to insane rage.
"Shoot him!" said Ancliffe, with a coolness which proved his
foresight.
One of Hough's friends swung a cane, smashing a lamp; then with like
swift action he broke the other lamp, instantly plunging the room
into darkness. This appeared to be the signal for Durade's men to
break loose into a mad scramble for the gold. Durade began to scream
and rush forward.
Allie felt herself drawn backward, along the wall, through her door.
It was not so dark in there. She distinguished Hough and Ancliffe.
The latter closed the door. Hough whispered to Allie, though the din
in the other room made such caution needless.
"Can we get out this way?" he asked.
"There's a window," replied Allie.
"Ancliffe, open it and get her out. I'll stop Durade if he comes in.
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