He said after a moment: "It's only
the ghost of a chance, but I'll have to take it. Tell me which way she
rode? No? Then I'll try to find her."
She leaped between him and the door, flinging her shoulders against it
with a crash and standing with outspread arms to bar the way.
"You must not go!"
He turned his head somewhat.
"Don't stand in front of me, Jack. You know I'll do what I say, and
just now it's a bit hard for me to face you."
"Pierre, I feel as if there were a hand squeezing my heart small, and
small, and small. Pierre, I'd die for you!"
"I know you would. I know you would, partner. It was only a mistake,
and you acted the way any cold-hearted boy would act if--if someone
were to try to steal his horse, for instance. But just now it's hard
for me to look at you and be calm."
"Don't try to be! Swear at me--curse--rave--beat me; I'd be glad of
the blows, Pierre. I'd hold out my arms to 'em. But don't go out
that door!"
"Why?"
"Because--if you found her--she's not alone."
"Say that slowly.
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