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 adapt himself to the situation by a vague stammer of apology.

&quot;I came to see if my son is still here,&quot; she faltered.

&quot;Yes, ma'am, he's here. He's been here most nights lately till after twelve.&quot;

&quot;And is Mr. Gill with him?&quot;

&quot;No: Mr. Gill he went away just after I come on this evening.&quot;

She glanced up into the cavernous darkness of the stairs.

&quot;Is he alone up there, do you think?&quot;

&quot;Yes, ma'am, I know he's alone, because I seen his men leaving soon after Mr. Gill.&quot;

Kate lifted her head quickly. &quot;Then I will go up to him,&quot; she said.

The watchman apparently did not think it proper to offer any comment on this unusual proceeding, and a moment later she was fluttering and rustling up through the darkness, like a night-bird hovering among