We
have not a moment to lose."
"To lose? What else can happen?"
"The night is coming. We cannot leave the bodies here. It would be too
horrible."
"Ah," she sighed, "there is no horror to equal mine. I have the blood
of three men on my soul."
She suffered him to lead her away. He tried to console her by throwing
all the responsibility on to the Italian. But he felt that this palsied
woman scarce listened to his words. He was almost glad to leave her
alone with her mournful thoughts. In active work he could find
distraction from the sad influences of this fatal treasure-hunt. There
were still many things he did not comprehend, but he resolutely
dismissed all self-communing. Perhaps, when the first paroxysm of woe
had exhausted itself, Mrs. Haxton might explain; meanwhile, he must
endeavor to hide the chief features of the tragedy ere Irene arrived.
When he moved Alfieri's body is order to examine his clothing, he saw
that the man's coat was torn at the breast, the cloth having caught a
jagged rock as its wearer fell from the saddle.
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