Thus he was the first to reach Madge Forbes, who hurried to meet them, followed by Nina, the latter walking more leisurely and carrying the rifle.
“What has happened?” gasped Sturgess. He saw that the girl was pale and frightened. She and her sister were continually looking backward, as though expecting to find they were being pursued.
“I think-it is all right-now,” she said brokenly. “Nina shot at it-the most awful monster I have ever seen.”
“Had it two legs, or four?”
Sturgess was incorrigible. Notwithstanding the start caused by the sound of the g*n, he grinned. The girl turned to Nina.
“Please tell them, Nina, that we are not romancing,” she cried indignantly.
Nina handed the rifle to Maseden.
“Put this thing right,” she said coolly. “It won’t work, but I’m sure I hit the beast
