in silent suspense. I stretched forward, endeavoring to peer down through the narrow crack, but was baffled by its smallness. Only the steadiness of the light, the voices, and the varied noises below, gave us information of what occurred. Yet these served to reveal clearly enough the progress of the searching party, and the conclusions to which they arrived. They possessed more than one lamp, because a light continued to burn steadily in the hall while the fellows were busily exploring the rooms on either side. We could distinguish the opening and closing of doors, and the sound of voices calling to others on the floor below. Once some fellow, apparently just beneath us, ripped out an oath.
"Well, by God, Jack, do you suppose Nichols has dared play such a durned trick on me and squealed to the girl?"
"Hanged if I know," was the sullen reply. "But it don't look like thar was a soul in the house."
"Yer right it don't, but I can't believe he ever had the nerve to do such a damn trick. I'll foller the cuss tew hell an' back if he has."
I felt her hand touch mine softly, and bent my head until her lips were at my ear.
"That was Anse Cowan," she whispered. "I recognize that voice. What do you suppose they will do now?"
