How am I
going to meet people and answer questions?" His teeth were
chattering. "Is it known she's missing?" he added.
"Hicks raised the alarm the first thing this morning, according
to the instructions I'd given him."
"Yes?" gasped Ware. He was dripping from every pore and the
sickly color came and went on his unshaven cheeks. Murrell
dropped a heavy hand on his shoulder.
"You haven't been at Belle Plain, you say, but has any one seen
you on the road this morning?"
"No one, John," cried Ware, panting between each word. There was
a moment's pause and Ware spoke again. "What are they doing at
Belle Plain?" he demanded in a whisper. Murrell's lips curled.
"I understand there is talk of suicide," he said.
"Good!" cried Ware.
"They are dragging the bayou down below the house. It looks as
though you were going to reap the rewards of the excellent
management you have given her estate. They have been trying to
find you in Memphis, so the sooner you show yourself the better,"
he concluded significantly.
"You are sure you have her safe, John, no chance of discovery?
For God's sake, get her away from here as soon as you can, it's
an awful risk you run!"
"She'll be sent down river to-night," said Murrell.
"Captain," began Slosson who up to this had taken no part in the
conversation. "When are you going to cross to t'other side of
the bayou?"
"Soon," replied Murrell. Slosson laughed.
"I didn't know but you'd clean forgot the Clan's business.
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