led, but could obtain no response.

"That night Uncle Thomas resumed his watch along the Thames. He saw
Pierre Lanier prowling up and down the river, followed by that same
assistant. Next morning Pierre inquired of police officials as to any
arrests made within the last two days and nights. He then returned to
the basement room, trailed by that assistant and Uncle Thomas.

"Pierre had gone out the previous morning, during all that day and the
following night searching for Paul. The third night after Paul's
disappearance was spent by Pierre along the river, trailed as before.
Next day Pierre did not return to his room until afternoon.

"In the early evening a letter came by special messenger to Uncle Thomas
at the inn. It was from that helper at Northfield, stating that Paul
Lanier was then skulking about in the timber along the lake. On the
previous night Paul had been close to the Northfield mansion grounds,
but evidently became aware that a sentinel was on guard. Paul surely
meditated mischief, but the writer thought sufficient precautions
against surprise had been taken by Sir Donald Randolph.

"The contents of this letter, with knowledge of Paul's crafty malice and
murderous zeal, greatly alarmed me. It seemed that ordinary watchfulness
would not avail against Paul's crazed, homicidal mania. If you or Esther
fell a victim to Paul's knife, it would be chargeable to your friendship
for me. Was it right that through acquiescence in any mode of procedure
advised by others I should permit such friends to be ruthlessly
butchered by a madman?

"To Uncle Thomas I told my fears, but he thought there was little danger
to any one at Northfield through Paul's crazy breaks.

"'For months this insane wretch has been a harmless lunatic, practicing
his night tableaus through some purposeless infatuation.'

"With this remark he dismissed the subject, but went out, secured a cab,
and drove to that cabin across the alley from the Lanier room. The
assistant was directed to take the first train for Northfield, and keep
close watch of Paul's every act. Uncle Thomas remained at the cabin.

"After uncle went out I still felt nervous and a strong presentiment
that peril hung over the Randolph household. With each effort to think
of other things, this feeling grew stronger. There was something so
awful as to overpower all habitual obedience to Uncle Thomas.

"I thought of Charles Randolph. Perhaps Charles was at the hotel,
unconscio