Capitola's first impulse was to rend the paper to atoms and grind
those atoms to powder beneath her heel. But a second inspiration
changed her purpose.
"No--no--no! I will not destroy you, precious little note! No legal
document involving the ownership of the largest estate, no cherished
love letter filled with vows of undying affection, shall be more
carefully guarded! Next to my heart shall you lie. My shield and
buckler shall you be! My sure defense and justification! I know what
to do with you, my precious little jewel! You are the warrant for
the punishment of that man, signed by his own hand." And so saying
Capitola carefully deposited the note in her bosom.
Then she lighted her chamber lamp, and, taking it with her, went
down-stairs to her uncle's bedroom.
Taking advantage of the time when she knew he would be absorbed in a
game of chess with John Stone, and she would be safe from
interruption for several hours if she wished, she went to Major
Warfield's little armory in the closet adjoining his room, opened
his pistol case and took from it a pair of revolvers, closed and
locked the case, and withdrew and hid the key that they might not
chance to be missed until she should have time to replace them.
Then she hurried back into her own chamber, locked the pistols up in
her own drawer, and, wearied out with so much excitement, prepared
to go to rest.
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