“There are reasons,� said Major Walden, “why it might be unpleasant to bring my affair into court. However, I am ready to testify against him if needed.�
Mark turned again toward Russell, but to his consternation and astonishment the man had vanished. Before the eyes of six persons he had managed to glide away unobserved. They looked up and down the streets, peered into stairways, and searched alleys, but he was not to be found. He had disappeared as suddenly and entirely as though the ground had opened and swallowed him.
“A guard of his imps must have snatched him away,� said Nathan as the men came back from their search to the place they had left the women.
“Perhaps he assumed his natural form and slithered away on the ground to his den,� said Walden.
“I imagine the fellow must have hypnotized us,� Mark replied. “I can’t account for his getting away without being seen by some of us by any other hypothesis. But let us believe it is good riddance. He’ll not be apt to trouble any of us again. I should like to have had him reveal Esther’s whereabouts, however.�
“It’s a pity he’s at large to ruin other homes,� Mrs. Wylie murmured. “But if God permits him to live, I suppose we may.�
“Markham!�
“Agnes!� The Major turned toward his former wife and stood with bowed head and dejected countenance.
“I must ask you a question which has been upon my lips since I met you, but which I am almost—afraid to ask. Is Freddie alive?�
“Yes, Agnes, yes. He is with me. I will send him to you at once. Oh, my God!�