"Jonathan! Dr.
Partridge! Will you see him murder me?"
Jonathan, gun in hand, pluckily rallied behind his father, while the
doctor laid his hand soothingly on Perez' shoulder, who did not notice
him. But at that moment the door into the living-rooms was flung open,
and Desire and her mother came in. The loud voices had evidently
attracted their attention and excited their apprehensions, but from
the start which Desire gave as she saw Perez, it was evident she had
not guessed he was there. At sight of her, his tense attitude and
expression instantly softened, and it was plain that he no longer saw
or took account of any one in the room but the girl.
"Desire," he said, "I came to see you. The militia are out after me at
last, and I am flying for my life. I couldn't go without seeing you
again."
Without giving Desire a chance to reply, which indeed she was much too
confused and embarrassed to do, her mother interposed.
"Mr. Edwards," she exclaimed indignantly, "can't you put the fellow
out? I'm sure you'll help, Doctor. This is an outrage. I never heard
of such a thing. Are we not safe in our own house from this impudent
loafer?" Perez had not minded the men, but even in his desperation,
Mrs.
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