Page:The Mystery of Madeline Le Blanc (1900).djvu/63

Rh said: "I have walked around the house. It is so dark that I could not see my hand before my face. I listened every few minutes, and found everything quiet."

"Very well," answered Satiani. " Now bring the shovel to the head of the stairs." He looked at his watch once more, walked to the other side of the cellar, placed the couch in the center of the floor, blew out the candle, and ascended the stairs.

"Monsieur," said the dwarf,."where are you? I have the shovel."

"Here at the outer door," answered Satiani; and taking the shovel, he added, abusively. "Obey me implicitly—do you understand?"

"Yes, Monsieur; do I not always try to ob"

"Never mind about what you always try to do. Keep your wits now, and don't be a coward. I hate a coward. If you hear a shot, or a cry, somebody has intercepted me, and has fallen. If you hear nothing, I shall be here in thirty minutes with a body. Lie in the front of the court; and when I come, go ahead and open this door. We shall enter here. If anybody approaches the house, you will throw a