THE PROOF.
Gregory Carker never knew exactly why he rose in the night and stole out of his room with catlike steps. He had a vague idea that he would move silently in order not to disturb or awaken any one sleeping in the house.
Near the head of the stairs he paused and backed into a shadowy corner.
Two persons came up the stairs. One of them bore a candle which flickered and flared, the fitful light showing her features plainly.
It was Madge Morton. She was deathly pale, and the hand that held the candle shook like that of a person with the palsy. Behind her was a man. As she reached the head of the flight she paused, turned to this man, and whispered:
"Follow me closely. The girl's room is two doors to the left."
Carker saw the man's face, and he recognized Jose Murillo.
Forth from his nook leaped Greg, seizing Murillo as the Mexican placed his foot on the last stair. Mrs. Morton gave a gasping cry of dismay, dropped the candle, and fled. The candle did not go out. Although it fell on its side, it continued to burn fitfully.
At the head of those stairs a sharp, savage struggle took place. The Mexican uttered a smothered oath and sought to produce his knife.
"Thees time I fix you, Carkaire!" he panted.