Page:Fletcher - The Mortover Grange Affair.pdf/320

 here. They may have fallen into one, in wandering about."

"Not much use speculating," said Wedgwood. "If we could only get on their track—alive or dead, I want to lay hands on Levigne! He's papers on him that I want to see!"

"Nothing for it but waiting!" remarked the Superintendent.

But even then the period of waiting was nearly over. As the two men warmed themselves at the kitchen fire, discussing events with Mr. Patello who was all aghast at these tragic happenings a man came hurrying in with news evident in his every action. Blunt and business-like he voiced his tidings as soon as he caught sight of the Superintendent.

"We've found 'em!" he exclaimed, almost cheerfully. "Nice job we've had, an' all, up yonder, but we came across 'em, at last. What there is left of 'em, that is!"

"What do you mean?" demanded the Superintendent. "Left of them?"

"Well, there's naught but their dead bodies," answered the messenger, unconcernedly. "And they're frozen as stiff as boards! Been dead a good while, I should say—both!"

"Where are they?" asked Wedgwood.