ife would have nerved me to unerring shot. However, too much
had been said about the necessity of Lanier exposures for reckless
attack upon Paul. This worthless life is too valuable for inconsiderate
squandering. Upon its precarious, oft-jeopardized tenure hang potent
issues and kindred weal.

"I called one of the laborers upon the premises. Together we carried
into a small building the lifeless form found at entrance to the mansion
grounds.

"The dead man had been repeatedly stabbed. From his torn clothing and
Paul's bloody, dirt-begrimed appearance, it was evident there had been a
fierce struggle. This servant was surprised and assaulted while on
guard.

"I did not awaken any of the family. It was not thought prudent to
follow Paul. At such dark hour the craft of this madman would elude
pursuit.

"Paul had entered the house to slay his enemies, and was restrained only
by sight of Bessie. This surprise had diverted his murderous thoughts,
thereby saving the lives of father and Esther."

Charles and his assistant remain on guard until morning. It is not much
feared that Paul will return that night, but they take precautions.

Sir Donald rises early. He is greatly surprised at seeing Charles in the
library. The night's experiences are graphically narrated. Sir Donald is
profoundly moved. That London warning is mysterious. Murder of the
faithful servant grieves him sorely. Paul's queer entrance evinces
strange cunning. That this madman with bloody knife unhindered had
entered Esther's room, and only by merest, unaccountable, crazed caprice
was diverted from his murderous purpose, is too horrible for thought.

To allay his father's fears requires repeated assurances from Charles
that both Esther and Bessie are safe. Sir Donald clings to his son's arm
for support. Again looking proudly at Charles, he fondles this smiling
youth, and excitedly hails him "Savior of Northfield!"

Charles restrains his father from calling Esther and Bessie.

"It will be better not to say anything about Paul's entering the house.
It would worry sister."

Servants are called, and the dead body is moved to a vacant building
some distance from the mansion grounds. After official inquiry into the
cause of death, the deceased is buried.

Sir Donald feels conscious-smitten. To Charles he says: "This life has
been sacrificed to promote Esther's welfare. In pursuance of
questionable tactics and furtherance of doubtful ends one death just has