Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/373

THE DISCOVERY OF DANIELS However much Donald may have sympathized, his face expressed nothing, and he went coldly on with his questioning.

"Your mother is not now in the west attic; the men who have met their death in this house have been attacked by a woman. Did you know this?"

Dunn rose to his feet trembling.

"Not until a short time ago, Colonel Donald. I have not seen Lucille for several days. A negro told me that the assassin was a woman, and I questioned Lieutenant King as to the truth. From his description I feared it might prove to be my mother. What—what can I do?"

"Go with us in search," and Donald stood erect. "No one in this house is safe until we have her under lock and key again."

Dunn hesitated, glancing questioningly toward me.

"Is it necessary to have this man with us?" he asked.

"I see no reason why he should not be. He already knows the circumstances, and besides is a gentleman to be trusted. It may require the three of us to handle her safely, and I greatly prefer King to any of the men outside."

He crossed the room to the hall, as if the affair were settled, and we followed without exchanging a word or a glance. Much as I despised Dunn, I could not now but feel a certain sympathy for him. Donald led the way up the stairs, and back toward the fireplace. He glanced into the side room, but returned immediately, shaking his head to my look of inquiry. [ 353 ]