After the fall there came the sound of one loud groan, and then subdued murmurs, cautious whispers.
The window of Jenny Milsom's room looked towards the road. From that window she could see nothing of the sluggish ditch or the river.
She tried the door of her room. It was securely locked, as she had expected to find it.
"They would kill me, if I tried to come between them and their victim," she said; "and I am afraid to die."
She crept to her wretched bed, and flung herself down, dressed as she was. She drew the thin patchwork coverlet round her.
Ten minutes after she had thrown herself upon the bed, a key turned in the lock, and the door was opened by a stealthy hand. Black Milsom looked into the room.
The cold glimmer of day fell full upon the girl's pale face. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing was loud and regular.
"Asleep," he whispered to some one outside; "as safe as a rock."
He drew back and closed the door softly.
* * * * *