"Why do you think so?" asked the girl, curiously.
"It puzzles me to account for Mason haunting the swamp and never coming near this house. Why is he hanging around that dismal swamp? What is the attraction that keeps him there with no friends or companions but those two negroes?"
"Was the other masked man a negro?"
"Yes. I saw the rascal's black skin plainly."
"Perhaps he is in the swamp to avoid arrest."
"No, no. He would not select such a malarious hole when there are so many pleasanter places for him to abide in. There is a deeper reason behind it. We must find out what it is."
"When he learns I am here, Mr. Brady, he may take it into his head to continue his persecutions."
"Not while we are here to protect you."
"Then you will be my guests?" eagerly asked the girl.
"Nothing would afford us greater pleasure."