Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/190

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH responsible for her fear. The testimony of the superstitious negroes, frightened as they were by the tragedy of Navarre's death, carried small weight, and Miss Denslow, left alone, might easily imagine all kinds of evils. Yet there was nothing to do except remain and watch. In the long silence her breathing became heavier, more regular; convinced she slept, I ventured to discover the truth by touching her gently with my hand. Her head rested against the cushioned chair-back, her cheek pillowed upon one hand, and she was sleeping like a child. I tiptoed forward and peered into the library. Judge Dunn sat just as before, his posture unchanged, his head bent forward upon the table. Suddenly my ears caught the creak of a board sounding from the top of the stairs. I was not even certain I actually heard it, yet I stepped aside into the deeper shadow of the coat-rack, every nerve a-tingle, my hand reaching for the revolver at my belt. [ 178 ]