“Everybody—the coroner’s jury and all the guests of the house, who had been detained as witnesses.”
“Then all our friends heard the fatal verdict?”
“All.”
“Was there—a warrant issued?” gasped Lyon Berners, scarcely able to utter the words.
“Ah, yes; the issue of the warrant was the first intimation I had of the fatal nature of the verdict. It was put in the hands of an officer, with orders to be on the watch and serve it as soon as Mrs. Berners should come out of her chamber, but not to knock at the door, or molest her while she remained in it.”
Lyon Berners groaned deeply, and buried his face in his hands.
“Come, come! bear up, that you may sustain her!” said Captain Pendleton. “And now listen: Your flight, as I told you, was not suspected up to the time I left Black Hall. It will not be discovered probably until late this evening, when it will be too late for the authorities to take any immediate measures of pursuit. We have, therefore, this afternoon and to-night to perfect our plans. Only you need to bring steady nerves and a clear head to the task.”
“What do you suggest, Pendleton?”
“First of all, that during this night, which is ours, all necessary conveniences be brought here to support your life for a few days, for you must not leave this safe refuge immediately—to do so would be to fall into the hands of the law.”
“I see that,” sighed Mr. Berners.