"A murder has been committed," she says, in a cold, hard voice; "the
murderer must be found."

Something of her old calm, stately haughtiness returns as she speaks.

"This room must be cleared. Let no one touch _her_," she shudders
and looks away, "until Sir Victor comes. Ellen, Pool, Hooper, you
three had better remain to watch. Edwards, mount the fastest horse in
the stables and ride to Powyss Place for your life."

"Yes, miss," Edwards answers, in a low voice; "and please, miss, am I
to tell Sir Victor?"

She hesitates a moment--her face changes, her voice shakes a little
for the first time.

"Yes," she answers, faintly, "tell him."

Edwards leaves the room. She turns to another of the men servants.

"You will ride to Chesholm and fetch Dr. Dane. On your way stop at the
police station and apprise them. The rest of you go. Jane Pool, where
is the baby?"

"Up stairs in the night nursery," Jane Pool answers sullenly.

"And crying, too--I hear him. Hannah," to the under nurse, "go up and
remain with him. I am going to my own room. When," she pauses a second
and speaks with an effort, "when Sir Victor comes, you will receive