eventually her husband was found shot through the head. I have always
suspected suicide, though no pistol was found near the body. He may have
discovered something--God knows what!--so possibly Lady Arabella may
herself have killed him. Putting together many small matters that have
come to my knowledge, I have come to the conclusion that the foul White
Worm obtained control of her body, just as her soul was leaving its
earthly tenement--that would explain the sudden revival of energy, the
strange and inexplicable craving for maiming and killing, as well as many
other matters with which I need not trouble you now, Adam. As I said
just now, God alone knows what poor Captain March discovered--it must
have been something too ghastly for human endurance, if my theory is
correct that the once beautiful human body of Lady Arabella is under the
control of this ghastly White Worm."

Adam nodded.

"But what can we do, sir--it seems a most difficult problem."

"We can do nothing, my boy--that is the important part of it. It would
be impossible to take action--all we can do is to keep careful watch,
especially as regards Lady Arabella, and be ready to act, promptly and
decisively, if the opportunity occurs."

Adam agreed, and the two men returned to Lesser Hill.




CHAPTER IX--SMELLING DEATH