lost his position, and had spent his last penny in getting his wife
back to the house in which she was born,--and where her own child
was soon to be born.

Windom went about the task of secreting his son-in-law's body in a most
systematic, careful manner. He first carried the two "telescopes"
into the house and hid them in a closet. Then he put on an old
overcoat and cap, his riding boots and gloves. Stealing out to the
rear of the house, he found a lantern and secured it to his person
by means of a strap. A few minutes later he was ready to start
off on his ghastly mission. Alix nodded her head dumbly when he
commanded her to remain in the sitting-room and to make no sound
that might arouse Maria Bliss. He promised to return in less than
an hour.

"Your father's life depends on your silence, my child, from this
moment on," he whispered in her ear.

She started up. "And how about my husband's life?" she moaned.
"What of him? Why do you put yourself--"

"Sh! Your husband is dead. You cannot bring him to life. It is your
duty,--do your hear?--your duty to spare the living. Remember what
I said to you awhile ago. Never forget it, my child."

"Yes," she muttered. "'Blood is thicker than water.' I remember."

III

He went out into the night, closing the door softly behind him.