A few minutes later he was ready to start
off on his ghastly mission. Alix nodded her head dumbly when he
commanded her to remain in the sitting-room and to make no sound
that might arouse Maria Bliss. He promised to return in less than
an hour.
"Your father's life depends on your silence, my child, from this
moment on," he whispered in her ear.
She started up. "And how about my husband's life?" she moaned.
"What of him? Why do you put yourself--"
"Sh! Your husband is dead. You cannot bring him to life. It is your
duty,--do your hear?--your duty to spare the living. Remember what
I said to you awhile ago. Never forget it, my child."
"Yes," she muttered. "'Blood is thicker than water.' I remember."
III
He went out into the night, closing the door softly behind him.
The collie was at his heels. He was afraid to go alone. Grimly,
resolutely he lifted the body of Edward Crown from the ground and
slung it across his shoulder, the head and arms hanging down his
back. Desperation added strength to his powerful frame. As if his
burden were a sack of meal, he strode swiftly down the walk, through
the gate and across the gravel road. The night was as black as
ink, yet he went unerringly to the pasture gate a few rods down
the road. Unlatching it, he passed through and struck out across
the open, wind-swept meadow. The dog slunk along close behind him,
growling softly.
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