For the uneven paving stones held many cracks,
with scattered straw overlying all. But at last Mary's hand touched
steel, and her fingers closed around it.
A moment later two sounds were heard, one almost in answer to the
other. First came Ballard's heavy tread upon the threshold of the
landing. Then somewhere in the distance, a startled horse gave voice
to its weary confusion.
As if with one mind the women sought each other out. Then locking
arms, they turned all senses outward, poised for instantaneous action.
Together they heard the rough speech of the men outside the door, at
the same time wondering with secret hope what rider had approached the
outer walls, where none had come before.
"Where have you been?" growled Purceville angrily. "What did you do
with him?"
"Mister Cummings met with an accident. He was in such haste to bring
help to his dying master, that he missed his footing and fell headlong
down the stairs. Broke his neck. An ugly accident, but natural
enough."
"Good," said Purceville more calmly. "Good work.
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