Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/181

ON GUARD WITH JEAN "And now I am ready for the worst; even anxious to go in search for trouble. What is it you wish? Shall I visit the Judge and try to learn the house secret, or explore for myself?"

"No," she answered, her fingers nervously pressing the sleeve of my jacket. "I am convinced either course would be useless. I merely wish you to remain with me, and watch."

"At least let me assure myself that no one is concealed on this floor," I insisted, "as we can then choose better our point of guard."

She did not object, although it was clear enough she considered the precaution valueless. However, the manner in which she followed me about, anxiously scanning the dark corners, evidenced the state of her nerves and determined me to make the search a thorough one. Lamp in hand I explored every nook and corner, peering under furniture, and into closet recesses, until absolutely convinced that not even a rat could have escaped my scrutiny. Having thus completed the lower floor, not even forgetting to test the walls in hope of thus locating the secret room, I was for following the same course above, had she not begged me to desist, her voice trembling, her face pathetic as she pleaded. Through the partially opened door I caught a glimpse of the Judge at the library table, his head bowed forward as if he slept, but I did not venture to enter the room.

"Miss Denslow," I said at last, standing at the foot of the stairs, "if it is true that any one is hiding in the house, as you suspect, the fellow must be the murderer of [ 171 ]