439페이지 중 153페이지

Struve's harsh laugh filled the tunnel.

"Take me to Mrs. Collins," she reiterated wearily.

"Not till I know what you heard," answered Dunke doggedly.

"I heard everything," she avowed boldly. "The whole wretched,

miserable truth."

She would have pushed past him, but he caught her arm.

"Let me go!"

"I tell you it's all a mistake. I can explain it. Give me time."

"I won't listen, I want never to see either of you again. What

have I ever done that I should be mixed up with such men?" she

cried, with bitter despair.

"Don't go off half-cocked. 'Course I'll take you to Mrs. Collins

if you like. But you got to listen to what I say."

Another candle glimmered dimly in the tunnel and came toward

them. It presently stopped, and a voice rolled along the vault.

"Hello, there!"

Margaret would have known that voice anywhere among a thousand.

Now it came to her sweet as water after a drought. She slipped

past Dunke and ran stumbling through the darkness to its source.

"Mr. Neill! Mr. Neill!"