But a noise from without cut off the conversation. Stamping feet sounded on the steps, the knob turned, and Sheriff Bardwell, snow-white, entered, shaking himself like a great dog, as he sought to rid himself of the effects of the blizzard.
"Hello, Mason," came curtly.
"Hello, Bardwell, what 'd you find?"
The sheriff of Clear Creek county glanced toward Anita Richmond and was silent. The girl leaped to her feet.
"Don't be afraid to talk on my account," she begged. "Where's Harry? Is he all right? Did he come back with you?"
"Yes—he's back."
"And you found Maurice?"
Bardwell was silent again, biting at the end of his mustache. Then he squared himself.
"No matter how much a person dislikes another one—it's, it's—always a shock," came at last. Anita came closer.
"You mean that he 's dead?"