at her in a dazed manner.

"They are coming!" she cried. "I have seen them!"

"Where are they?" the man asked, rising to a sitting position.

"Just out there," and she motioned to the right.

"Hurry up, then, and go into the other room. Bolt the door, and put
out the light."

Jean needed no further bidding. In another minute she had the door
securely fastened, and the candle blown out. She then took up her
position in a dark corner, where with fast-beating heart she waited to
hear what might take place in the adjoining room.




CHAPTER XXVII

THROUGH THE NIGHT AND THE STORM

In a few minutes the slashers arrived. Jean could hear them quite
distinctly, and her heart sank within her as she listened to their
laughter and rough talk. They were in a merry mood, she could plainly
tell, and although she could not understand all they said, she was well
aware that they were asking for her and the rum. From this she knew
that Dave had told them of her presence in the house, and she wondered
whether they would try to force their way into her room. She glanced