"And did my master get what he wanted?" demanded the negro, rolling his eyes.
"I don't know what Mr. Lister wanted," said Bella faintly; "you must explain yourself, and——"
"I explain nothing until I see my master," was Durgo's reply. "Perhaps Captain Huxham knows where my master is?"
"Captain Huxham is dead," she gasped.
Durgo shut his strong white teeth with a click. "Dead!" he repeated. "Ah—aha—aha; Captain Huxham is dead. Then my master——"
"No," cried Bella, covering her eyes. "I don't believe that Cyril killed my father—I don't believe it."
"Cyril! father!" repeated Durgo, looking at her curiously. "I must learn if——" He broke off suddenly and moved noiselessly to the window. Bella stretched a helpless hand to stay him, but, lightly vaulting out of doors, he disappeared in a moment. She rushed to the window and saw him running down the path towards the boundary channel. There was no chance of catching him up, as she saw well, and therefore drew back.
"The crystal! the crystal!" she muttered to herself, shivering. "Granny must know what it all means. I must see Granny, and ask about the crystal."