[CHAPTER V]
Ryder ran screaming, and alarmed the other servants.
All the windows that looked on the mere were hung open.
But no more sounds were heard. A terrible silence brooded now over those clear waters.
The female servants huddled together, and quaked; for who could doubt that a bloody deed had been done?
It was some time before they mustered the presence of mind to go and tell Mrs. Gaunt. At last they opened her door. She was not in her room.
Ryder ran to Griffith's. It was locked.
She called to him. He made no reply.
They burst the door open. He was not there: and the window was open.