"We could not help it—the blacks were ten to one."
"But did no one see him but yourself? Did no one try to help him?"
"Yes, one man."
"And who was he?"
"A fellow by the name of Rice."
"What! Katharine Allen's half brother?"
Thrasher turned paler than he had done before that evening. "Her brother—I did not know that," he muttered, uneasily.
Mrs. Mason did not heed this; the conviction of her great loss grew more and more distinct to her mind; all the desolation that must follow the cruel news of that evening crowded upon her. She folded the little girl close to her heart, and began to weep over her in bitter grief.
"Are you sure that Rice is connected with Katharine Allen?" asked Thrasher, taking advantage of a pause in her sobs.
"Old Mrs. Allen was married twice," she answered, impatiently, for grief made her restive. "He was her only son by the first husband. Tell me where he is; I want to see him. I want to know every word and look of my poor, poor husband. Where can Rice be found?"