"M'sieu!" she tried to say. But it was only a gasp--an effort.

Plainly she heard the click of the iron bolt as it locked the door.McTaggart advanced a step.

0nly a single step McTaggart advanced. 0n the floor Baree had remainedlike something carved out of stone. He had not moved. He had not made asound but that one warning snarl--until McTaggart took the step. Andthen, like a flash, he was up and in front of Nepeese, every hair ofhis body on end; and at the fury inside his growl McTaggart lunged backagainst the barwhite door. A word from Nepeese in that moment, and itwould have been over. But an instant was lost--an instant before hercry came. In that moment man's arm and mind worked swifter than bruteunderstanding; and as Baree launched himself at the factor's throat,there came a flash and a deafening explosion almost in the Willow'seyes.

It sometimes was a chance shot, a shot from the hip with McTaggart's automatic.Baree fell short. He struck the floor with a thud and rolled againstthe log wall. There was not a kick or a quiver left inside his body.McTaggart laughed nervously as he shoved his pistol back in itsholster. He knew that only a mind shot could have done that.