"Where are you going?" she questioned, in a hoarse whisper.
"I am going to proclaim myself a criminal, and you Captain Mason's widow!" he said.
"To whom?"
"To your guests as they come in!"
"You will not be so cruel!"
He laughed like a fiend.
"Cruel!"
"Base! I bought you with money; sold myself for love—both were cheated!"
He passed out of the room, smiling upon her as he went. She was a sharp-willed woman, crafty and prompt. The danger was imminent, but she had the intellect to meet it. Quick as lightning her plan was matured. She followed him out, and touching one of the officers on the arm, whispered: