"Why not? You aren't afraid of anything, are you?"
"No, not afraid; but I have never felt like going in there since Mr. Trafton died there. I cannot help recollecting the way he looked when I first saw him hanging over the bedside, with the froth on his lips. I took out all the furniture on that account, but I am going to furnish it again next week, as I can get a good rent for it."
Ingham went with her as she requested, and he noticed that all the time she was in the room overhauling a trunk containing the things she wanted, she was very restless and nervous. Several times when she heard a sudden noise she would start and turn pale, as if much frightened.
Presently the two girls occupying the front room came in and said that they should leave next day, as they were afraid of a man coming into their room as one had done the night before. Mrs. Sanford was evidently not sorry to have them go, and they soon went to bed.
Ingham and Mrs. Sanford then talked together about their plans for getting money for some time. Her whole mind seemed bent upon one object,—to obtain money; and she seemed to have no scruples whatever as to the means employed.
"Don't you know of any wealthy fellow who carries considerable money about with him?" asked Ingham.
"Oh! yes; I know two or three who come here to do business, and I expect one from Canada next week. He always has plenty of money with him, so that I have no doubt we could get a big sum out of him."
"Does he ever drink?" he asked; "I don't want to tackle a sober man, if I can help it."
"That needn't trouble you," she replied, in a whisper; "I can give him something to keep him quiet."
"How can you do that?" he inquired, with apparent astonishment.