"What is it? Have--have you killed him?"
I whirled, facing her, indignant at the words, and yet understanding as swiftly the reason for her suspicions.
"It is Captain Le Gaire. I have just found him lying here."
"Found him! Yes, but not lying there; I heard the noise, the fall of his body. Is--is he dead?"
She stood grasping the stair-rail, shrinking back from closer approach, her white face horror-stricken. I drew a quick breath, fairly quivering under the sting of her words.
"Yes, he is dead, Miss Hardy," I said, knowing I must end the suspense, "but not by my hand. I tripped and fell in the darkness, causing the noise you heard. I am going to ask you to return to your room; you can be of no service here. I will have your father and Captain Bell help me with the body."
She never moved, her eyes on my face.
"Then--then will you permit my father to come to me?"
"Certainly--perhaps we will know then how this occurred."
"Is that your revolver lying there?"