Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/200



E realized the truth, all of us at the same moment, yet were unable to grasp, comprehend its full significance, staring first at the dead man, and then into one another's faces in a bewilderment beyond expression. To me it came like a fresh accusation, a new link in the chain binding me. Dead! killed in the same manner, and by the same hand which had stricken down Navarre! How had it been done? When had it been done? Was this man dead all the hours we sat n the hall yonder, or had the assassin stolen past us in the darkness, and committed the crime while we watched? I had not slept: I could have sworn to that; more, the posture of the Judge was the same as when I first glanced in at him through the open door. I saw the girl drop upon her knees, burying her face upon the nearest chair; then Donald, with lips firm set and white face, lifted the emaciated form tenderly, crossed the room with it in his arms, and placed it outstretched upon the sofa. For a moment of silence he stood there motionless, gazing down upon the ghastly countenance, his shoulders bent, his giant form casting a shapeless shadow upon the wall. Then he turned, and looked me sternly, searchingly in the eyes.

"What have you to say to this?" he questioned [ 186 ]