mountains, no doubt prospecting for Le Fenu's mine. Whether he ever found
it or not will never be known. Please to bear in mind the fact that for a
couple of centuries at least Le Fenu's mysterious property was known as
the Four Finger Mine. With this digression, I will go on to speak further
of Van Fort's movements. To make a long story short, from his last
journey to the mountains he never returned. His widow searched for him
everywhere; I have seen her--a big sullen woman, with a cruel mouth and a
heavy eye. From what I have heard, I have not the slightest doubt that it
was she who inspired the murder of the Frenchman.

"She had practically given up all hope of ever seeing her husband again,
when, one dark and stormy night, just as she was preparing for bed, she
heard her husband outside, screaming for assistance. From his tone, he
was evidently in some dire and deadly peril. The woman was by no means
devoid of courage; she rushed out into the night and searched far and
near, but no trace of Van Fort could be found, nor did the imploring cry
for assistance come again. But the next morning, on the doorstep lay a
bleeding forefinger, which the woman recognised as coming from her
husband's hand. To make identity absolutely certain, on the forefinger
was a ring of native gold, which the Dutchman always wore. Please to
remember once more that this mine was known as the Four Finger Mine."

Venner paused just for a moment to give dramatic effect to his point.
Gurdon said nothing; he was too deeply interested in the narrative to
make any comment.

"That was what I may call the first act in the drama," Venner went on.
"Six months had elapsed, and Van Fort's widow was beginning to forget all
about the startling incident, when, one night, just at the same time, and
in just the same circumstances, came that wild, pitiful yell for