The messenger from the War Department had poured wild news into his ear,--wholesale murder, everybody--the President--Seward--Grant.

Incredulous he had hurried forth and the sight of that huge still crowd woke fear in him.

The guards at Mr.Peterson's door recognised him and he was admitted.

As he crossed the threshold he saw ominous dark stains.
A kitchen candle burned below the hat-rack in the narrow hall, and showed further stains on the oilcloth.

From a room on the left hand came the sound of women weeping.
The door at the end of the passage was ajar.