Helzephron took the short man by the arm and drew him into a corner of the room. They whispered together for nearly ten minutes. I could not catch a word.
Then Vargus nodded with an air of triumphant comprehension, and left the room.
"On second thoughts," said Helzephron, "I am not going to prepare Miss Shepherd. We will let it be in the nature of a pleasant surprise."
He disappeared through the green-curtained door.
CHAPTER XV LED OUT TO DIE
In relating what is immediately to follow I shall do so with as plain and unvarnished a narrative as my pen can command. You will read of what Constance and I endured, but do not ask me to do more than hint at the anger of my soul. It is impossible to describe, at least it would require the pen of a Dante or a Milton, nor would I describe it if I could. It is bad enough to live that hour again even faintly and in imagination. To call it up into full memory—soul memory—is a task for which I have not the least inclination. You shall, therefore, have the facts with very little comment upon them.
I think it's about all you'll need.
Helzephron was away for a considerable time. During his absence Vargus peeped in once and looked at me. I won't describe his face.