There was nothing but the moaning of the wind, the ranch was very still, and the sound of his watch grew maddening.

If Alton was sleeping now, Deringham knew it was ticking his last hold on good fame and fortune away.

Twice he paced up and down the room with uncovered feet, and then, quivering a little when the floor creaked, opened the door that led into the one adjoining.
"Alice," he said, and, for he had thrown off the mask now, his daughter wondered at his face.
"Hush," she said almost sternly, and then moved very quietly away from the bed.

Deringham came in and leaned upon the table beside her.
"The great question is still unanswered ?" he said.
His daughter bent her head, and then looked at him steadily.

"I think we shall know in an hour or two.