"Door barred?"
"No, locked, and benches piled up against it."
"You have a prisoner, I understand."
He gave a muffled sound, as though stifling an incipient laugh.
"Nuthin' ter worry 'bout; he's a lyin' over thar in the corner with Jack Gold a guardin' of him. I reckon the cuss likes prayin' better ner fightin' any day o' ther week."
"All right, then; we'll give Jack Gold something more valuable to attend to." I dropped my voice to a whisper. "Noreen."
"Yes."
"It will give us an extra fightin' man if you will keep an eye on Nichols, and we'll need them all. You are willing to help?"
"Of course; I thought I could load guns, but—"
"I would rather have you there," I interrupted earnestly, "where I can feel reasonably sure you will be safe from stray bullets. I shall be less a coward if I believe you out of danger."
"A coward—you! Yes, of course, I will go."
I stepped across the platform, holding her arm.
"This you, Gold?"
"Yes, sir."
"The lady will watch the prisoner; you better join the others at the door."
