"The only clew is one so slight that even now I do not know whether I really saw it or dreamed that I did," said Sibyl, hesitatingly.
"Speak, and tell me what it is. I must know," said Mrs. Tom, with a sort of grim vengeance.
"Then listen. Last night after the moon rose—some two hours, I should judge, after I heard that cry of murder—on going to the window to look out, I perceived a boat push off from the shore containing the forms of two men; but so speedily did they vanish from sight, that I had barely time to catch the dark outlines of their figures. As it all passed so quickly, I ani still half disposed to believe it the effect of fancy."
"No boat could reach the island in the storm last night," said Mrs. Tom, still keeping her gloomy eyes fixed on Sibyl's face.
"I know that; and that is the principal reason I have for thinking what I saw may be the effect of fancy. And yet—and yet some one must have been here, else how are we to account for the committing of the deed? And what could have induced Christie to go out in such a storm, and at such an hour?"
"I do not know; it is all wrapped in mystery," said Mrs. Tom, taking the handkerchief and turning away. "But I'll find it out—I'll discover the murderers, if I should spend my whole life in seeking for them myself.'
"What do you mean to do?" said Sibyl, anxiously.
"To have the island searched the first thing. I suppose you will let Lem come and help?"
"Of course. But would it not be a better plan to go over to N—— immediately, and inform the authorities, and let them investigate the matter?"
"Carl shall take me right over," said Mrs. Tom.