"I found things just as they are now, sir.

There's been a fight and robbery." "That's plain to be seen; are these all the bodies ?" "Yes, sir, but the house is upside down from end to end." "You saw no one?
No British soldiers ?" I shook my head, conscious of the fierce grip with which I was being held.

A couple of the men dragged out the body from behind the stairs, and as the face came into the light, the Colonel's eyes saw it.

I heard the sharp breath expelled through his lips, as he stared down into those ghastly features.
"Good Lord! Mike! What in the name of heaven does this mean?
He was supposed to be with Claire!" "There must be some mistake, Colonel Mortimer," insisted the other officer gravely.

"Perhaps we can get the truth out of this bumpkin, if we take the lash to him." I understood in a flash, and as swiftly chose a course of action.