Jenkins's answer came through trembling lips.
"He's gone! Mr. Silas is gone! How did you find out? My God! How did you find out?"
"He said nothing to you?" Paredes asked.
Jenkins shook his head.
"Tell me how he was dressed."
The old servant covered his face.
"Mr. Silas stumbled through the kitchen," he answered hoarsely. "I tried to stop him, but he pushed me away and ran out." His voice rose. "I tell you he ran without a coat or a hat into the storm."
Paredes sighed.
"The Cedars's final tragedy, yet it was the most graceful exit he could have made."
Maria struggled to her feet. Her eyes were the eyes of a person without reason. That familiar, hysterical quality which they had heard before at a distance vibrated in her voice.