There was silence for a few minutes, then plainly he heard sobbing close to the door.
What could it mean?
who could it be?
Doubtless, some poor soul to whom Uncle Zed had been a ministering angel, had been drawn to the vacant house, and could not now control her sorrow.

Then the sobbing ceased, and Dorian realized he had best find out who was there and give what help he could.

He opened the door, and a frightened scream rang out from the surprised Carlia Duke who stood in the faint light from the open doorway.

She stood for a second, then as if terror stricken, she fled.
"Carlia," shouted Dorian.

"Carlia!" But the girl neither stopped nor looked back.