I _now come to some private matters_--those which
brought me hither--in which your singular visions may probably assist
me. Are you willing to help me?"
"Yes, indeed, sir, if I can," was the reply.
XI.
DEEP UNDER DEEP.
Mohun fixed his mild, and yet penetrating glance upon the singular
woman, who sustained it, however, with no change in her calm and
smiling expression.
"You know Nighthawk?"
"Oh, yes, sir. He has been here often."
"And Swartz?"
"Very well, sir--I have known him many years."
"Have you seen him, lately?"
"No, sir; not for some weeks."
"Ah! You saw him some weeks since?"
"Yes, sir."
"At this house?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you know what has become of him?"
"No, sir; but I suppose he is off somewhere."
"He is dead!"
Her head rose slightly, but the smile was unchanged.
"You don't tell me, sir!"
"Yes, murdered; perhaps you know his murderer?"
"Who was it, sir?"
"Colonel Darke."
"Oh, I know _him_. He has been here, lately. Poor Mr. Swartz! And so
they murdered him! I am sorry for him."
Mohun's glance became more penetrating.
"You say that Colonel Darke has been here lately?"
"Yes, sir."
"What was the occasion of his visit?"
"I don't know, sir; unless it was to hear me tell my visions."
"You never knew him before?"
Amanda hesitated.
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