Is--is he dead ?" She stood grasping the stair-rail, shrinking back from closer approach, her white face horror-stricken.

I drew a quick breath, fairly quivering under the sting of her words.
"Yes, he is dead, Miss Hardy," I said, knowing I must end the suspense, "but not by my hand.

I tripped and fell in the darkness, causing the noise you heard.

I am going to ask you to return to your room; you can be of no service here.

I will have your father and Captain Bell help me with the body." She never moved, her eyes on my face.
"Then--then will you permit my father to come to me ?" "Certainly--perhaps we will know then how this occurred." "Is that your revolver lying there ?" I had forgotten the weapon, but perceived it now, on the floor just beyond Le Gaire's head.
"Yes, it was dropped when I fell," I took a step toward her.