'What do you think it meant?' she cried suddenly. 'What is the
explanation?'
'Perhaps we shall see now,' answered the doctor.
Arthur still lingered, and she could not imagine what had become
of him. All sorts of horrible fancies passed through her mind, and
she dreaded she knew not what. At last they heard a footstep inside
the house, and the door was opened.
'I was convinced that nobody slept here, but I was obliged to
make sure. I had some difficulty in getting in.'
Susie hesitated to enter. She did not know what horrors awaited
her, and the darkness was terrifying.
'I cannot see,' she said.
'I've brought a torch,' said Arthur.
He pressed a button, and a narrow ray of bright light was cast
upon the floor. Dr Porhoët and Susie went in. Arthur carefully
closed the door, and
