“In what part?”
“Ah! That is not known. They intend to make a search. To-night they will probably break through—four of them. Therefore be on the alert.”
I explained how we had been aroused on the previous night by the cutting of the door, and how we had explored the passage as far as the Glebe Farm. Then, laying her hand upon my arm, she said earnestly —
“Oh, Dr. Pickering, do be careful! I fear that you may come to harm at the hands of these unscrupulous men.”
“But why have you associated yourself with them?” I asked, taking her hand and speaking very seriously.
She was silent. Then at last she answered: —
“Because I am unfortunately compelled.”
“But the fact that this man Purvis is your guardian is no reason why you should participate in his scheme. He seems an adventurer, just as Bennett is known to be one.”
“Ah! doctor,” she cried, turning to me suddenly, her whole form trembling, “do not argue thus! You do not know; you cannot know all.”
But I knew, and regarded her with pity born of love.