"
The young women consulted eyes and agreed very readily. Both of them
enjoyed being so near to the heart of things.
"If Mr. Yesler will lunch with the debaucher of the commonwealth, we shall
be very happy to join the party," said Virginia demurely.
Ridgway led them down to the floor of the House. Through the dense throng
they made their way slowly toward him, Ridgway clearing a path with his
broad shoulders.
Suddenly they heard him call sharply, "Look out, Sam."
The explosion of a revolver followed sharply his words. Ridgway dived
through the press, tossing men to right and left of him as a steamyacht
does the waves. Through the open lane he left in his wake, the young women
caught the meaning of the turmoil: the crumpled figure was Yesler swaying
into the arms of his friend, Roper, the furious drink-flushed face of
Pelton and the menace of the weapon poised for a second shot, the swift
impact of Waring's body, and the blow which sent the next bullet crashing
into the chandelier overhead. All this they glimpsed momentarily before the
press closed in on the tragic scene and cut off their view.
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