‘Sooner than marry you?’ I suggested rather maliciously.
‘Yes, if I broke the oath.’
‘Hang the oath!’ said I impatiently. ‘The thing might help us. Did they bury Stefan somewhere under the house?’
‘No, he was not buried,’ she answered.
‘Then they brought him up and got rid of his body when the islanders had gone?’
‘You must think what you will.’
‘I’ll find it out,’ said I. ‘If I pull the house down, I’ll find it. Is it a secret door or—?
She had coloured at the question. I put the latter part in a low eager voice, for hope had come to me.
‘Is it a way out?’ I asked, leaning over to her.
She sat mute, but irresolute, embarrassed and fretful.