imprecation. Then followed a growl as if from an ill-natured beast, and
they could hear his heavy tread across the floor.

"Oh, general!" came suddenly from the lips of Mrs. Abercrombie, in a
surprised, frightened tone. Then followed the sound of a repressed
struggle, of an effort to get free without making a noise or outcry,
which continued for a considerable time, accompanied by a low muttering
and panting as of a man in some desperate effort.

Mr. and Mrs. Craig stood with pale faces, irresolute and powerless to
help, whatever might be the extremity of their neighbor. To attempt a
forcible entry into the room was a doubtful expedient, and might be
attended with instant fatal consequences. The muttering and panting
ceased at length, and so did all signs of struggling and resistance.
The madman had wrought his will, whatever that might be. Breathlessly
they listened, but not a sound broke the deep silence. Minutes passed,
but the stillness reigned.

"He may have killed her," whispered Mrs. Craig, with white lips. Her
husband pressed his ear closely to the door.

"Do you hear anything?"

"Yes."

"What?"

They spoke in a low whisper.

"Put your ear against the door."

Mrs. Craig did so, and after a moment or two could hear a faint
movement, as of something being pulled across the carpet. The sound was
intermittent, now being very distinct and now ceasing altogether. The
direction of the movement was toward that part of the room occupied by
the bed. The listeners' strained sense of hearing was so acute that it
was able to interpret the meaning of each varying sound. A body had
been slowly dragged across the floor, and now, hushed and almost
noiselessly as the work went on, they knew that the body was being
lifted from the floor and placed upon the bed. For a little while all
was quiet, but the movements soon began again, and were confined to the
bed. Something was being done with the dead or unconscious body. What,
it was impossible to make out or even guess. Mrs. Abercrombie might be
lifeless, in a swoon or only feigning unconsciousness.

"It won't do to let this go on any longer," said Mr. Craig as he came
back from the door at which he had been listening. "I must call some of
the boarders and have a consultation."

He was turning to go out, when a sound as of a falling chair came from
General Abercrombie's room, and caused him to stop and turn back, This
was followed by the quick tread of heavy feet goi