"I understand," she said finally. "Will you take me to Karen's
room?"
I could see no reason for objecting; but so thorough was the panic
that had infected us all that I would not allow her in until I had
preceded her, and had searched in the clothes closet and under the
two bunks. Williams had not reached this room yet, and there was a
pool of blood on the floor.
She had a great deal of courage. She glanced at the stain, and
looked away again quickly.
"I--think I shall not come in. Will you look at the bell register
for me? What bell is registered?"
"Three."
"Three!" she said. "Are you sure?"
I looked again. "It is three."
"Then it was not my sister's bell that rang. It was Mr. Vail's!"
"It must be a mistake. Perhaps the wires--"
"Mrs. Turner's room is number one. Please go back and ask her to
ring her bell, while I see how it registers."
But I would not leave her there alone. I went with her to her
sister's door, and together we returned to the maids' cabin. Mrs.
Turner had rung as we requested, and her bell had registered "One."
"He rang for help!" she cried, and broke down utterly. She dropped
into a chair in the chart-room and cried softly, helplessly, while
I stood by, unable to think of anything to do or say. I think now
that it was the best thing she could have done, though at the time
I was alarmed.
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