But maybe I didn't stay there as long as it seemed.First thing I knew,I was running downstairs as lightly and swiftly as I could,and out through the door at the end of the side hall that had been left wide open--and I was at the summer-house door like a flash.There was a wide path of moonlight across the concrete floor and right in that glare was a sight never to be forgotten--Red Feather,about to stab Mr.Gledware to the heart!He held Mr.Gledware by the throat with one hand,and his other hand held the knife up for the blow.Mr.Gledware lay on his back,and Red Feather had one knee pressed upon his breast.In the light,Mr.Gledware's face was purple and dreadfully distorted,but the Indian looked about as usual--just serious and unchangeable.
When I reached the doorway,I blotted out most of the moonlight,and I drew back so Red Feather could see who I was.He looked up and let go of Mr.Gledware's throat,but didn't move,otherwise.'RED FEATHER!'I said.'GIVE ME THAT KNIFE.'
Mr.Gledware,recognizing my voice,tried to entreat me to save him,but he was half-strangled,and only made sounds that turned me faint,to know that the man my mother had married was such a coward.
Red Feather told me that if I came any nearer,or if I cried for help,he would murder that man and escape;but that if I would step into the shadow and listen,he'd give his reason for doing it before it was done.So I went across the room from him to save time,hoping I could persuade him to change his mind.I stood in the shadow,and in a low voice,I reminded him of his kindness to me,and of our kindness to him,and I begged for Mr.Gledware's life.