"They have to accuse some one. There's a sort of hysteria among
the men, and they've fixed on Singleton. They won't hurt him, I'll
see to that,--and it makes for order."

She considered for a moment. I had time then to see the havoc the
night had wrought in her. She was pale, with deep hollows around
her eyes. Her hands shook and her mouth drooped wearily. But,
although her face was lined with grief, it was not the passionate
sorrow of a loving girl. She had not loved Vail, I said to myself.
She had not loved Vail! My heart beat faster.

"Will you allow me to leave this room for five minutes?"

"If I may go with you, and if you will come back without protest."

"You are arbitrary!" she said resentfully. "I only wish to speak
to Mr. Turner."

"Then--if I may wait at the door."

"I shall not go, under those conditions."

"Miss Lee," I said desperately, "surely you must realize the state
of affairs. We must trust no one--no one. Every shadowy corner,
every closed door, may hold death in its most terrible form."

"You are right, of course. Will you wait outside? I can dress and
be ready in five minutes."

I went into the main cabin, now bright with the morning sun, which