"Only indefinitely. I want to make a careful exploration of the house
and grounds by daylight. This may reveal something of value. Then we
will go into Carrollton before dark. I cannot consent to your
remaining here another night after what has occurred. Besides, we
should consult a lawyer--the best we can find--and then proceed under
his advice. Do you agree?"

"Certainly; and how can I be of assistance?"

"If you could go back to the house, and keep Sallie busy in the kitchen
for an hour; hold her there at something so as to give me free range of
the house."

"With Sallie!" she lifted her hands in aversion. "It does n't seem as
though I could stand that. But," she added, rising resolutely to her
feet, "I will if you wish it. Of course I ought to do what little I
can. Why, what is this? a seal ring?"

She stooped, and picked the article up from the floor, out of a litter
of dead leaves, and held it to the light between her fingers. As she
gazed her cheeks whitened, and when her eyes again met mine they
evidenced fear.

"What is it?" I asked, when she failed to speak. "Do you recognize it?"

She held it out toward me, her hand trembling.

"That--that was Philip Henley's ring," she said gravely. "Family
heirloom; he always wore it."