As he kept his eye fixed toward the spot where Eveline stood, eager to see the result of the shot, he felt something strike his breast, and, turning his eyes downward, he beheld the glittering dagger glance along his left side!  A button had turned its course and saved his life!  He sprang away, uttering an affrighted oath, and grasped for his other pistol.  It was not in his pocket! and there he stood unarmed, before the unhurt but outraged woman he had attempted to destroy!

Eveline, though excited, was unusually self-possessed during all the interview just related.  She felt the imminence of her danger, but it only aroused her faculties to a more acute observation of every incident and circumstance that might, by any possible chance, be turned to advantage.  When she saw that Duffel was resolved to put his threat in execution, she determined to make him the victim instead of herself, if it were possible to do so.  In speaking of this reserved pistol he unconsciously placed his hand in his pocket—­a side coat pocket—­and drew the weapon up, so that the breech rested upon the upper and outer edge of the receptacle in the garment.  Eveline noticed this, and in a moment her plan of action was formed.  She did not like the thought of killing a human being, but as Duffel had proceeded to such extremes, she felt that if it was not her duty to slay him under the circumstances, she would, at least, be justifiable in so doing.  She, therefore, settled it in her mind to go to this extreme length, much as she shrank from a deed of blood, in case the monster fired at her.  She took in the idea at once that a puff of smoke would conceal her movements for a moment, and, under its friendly cover, feeling sure of her ability to avoid the shot, she would smite the villain to the heart and seize the pistol at the same instant, to use in case the thrust should prove ineffectual.  Having her mind divided between the two acts, both of which must be done in the same breath, she did not aim the dagger with as much precision as under other circumstances she might have done, and the result was as already stated; the pistol, however, she safely secured; and when she saw Duffel feel for it, and perceived his disappointment and alarm at not finding it, she said: 

“Here it is, sir, and for once you are in my power!  It is now my turn!”

The miscreant cowered before her determined gaze.

“Prepare for your end!”

“I crave your mercy.”

“Mercy! You, vile, unmanly wretch! did you show mercy?”

“I was excited,—­spare me!”

“Down on your knees, then, and beg for your life!”

He hesitated to demean himself thus, she raised the pistol, and there was a fire in her eye which spoke volumes to the craven soul of the poltroon.  He obeyed, fell upon his knees and begged his life at her hands, promising to liberate her if she would grant his prayer.  When he ceased pleading, and paused for her reply, she answered: