He went again to the room where the women were and beckoned his wife outside.
“Minna is asleep?” he asked, in a whisper.
“Yes,” Janet replied, “but, of course, only as an effect of that strong opiate you gave her. She tosses and moans,—but, yes, she is asleep.”
“I dread her waking. What are we to do with her? And, Janet, where is Betty? I’ve been all over these upper floors,—and now I’ll tackle the rooms downstairs, and the cellar. The girl must be found——”
“Herbert! Did you ever know such a fearful situation? And—as to—Frederick—don’t you have to——”
“Yes, yes, of course; the authorities must be called in. Don’t think I haven’t realized that. But first of all we must find Betty—dead or alive!”
“Don’t say that!” Janet clutched at his arm. “I can’t bear any more horrors.”
“Poor girl,—you may have to. Brace up, dear, I’ve all I can do to——”
“Of course you have,” his wife kissed him tenderly. “Don’t be afraid. I won’t add to your burdens, and I will help all I can. Thank heaven that kind woman took Eleanor away with her.”
“Yes; but I daresay we ought to have kept them all here. There’s crime to be considered, and——”