Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/178

164 watched his pain as if he had something to hope from it; then abruptly the young man began: "I don't in the least conceive how" He stopped short: even this he couldn't bring out.

"How was it done? Small blame to you! It was done in one minute—with the aid of a boat and the temptation (we'll call it!) of solitude. The boat's an old one of Tony's own—padlocked, but with a long chain. To see the place," said the Doctor after an instant, "is to see the deed."

Dennis threw back his head; he covered his distorted face with his two hands. "Why in thunder should I see it?"

The Doctor had moved towards him; at this he seated himself beside him and, going on with quiet clearness, applied a controlling, soothing grasp to his knee. "The child was taken into the boat and it was tilted: that was enough the trick was played." Dennis remained motionless and dumb, and his companion completed the picture. "She was immersed—she was held under water—she was made sure of. Oh, I grant you it took a hand and it took a spirit! But they were there. Then