Miss Derrick, he pointed out, was lying prostrate from severe burns; the fire must have been accidental, but the accident, to be sure, was extraordinary enough.

Thereupon Mrs.Mumford's wrath turned against Cobb.

What business had such a man--a low-class savage--in _her_ drawing-room?
He must have come knowing that she and her husband were away for the evening.
'You can question him, if you like,' said Mumford.

'He's out there.' Emmeline opened the door, and at once heard a cry of pain from upstairs.

Mumford, also hearing it, and seeing Cobb's misery-stricken face by the light of the hall lamp, whispered to his wife: 'Hadn't you better go up, dear?
Dr.Billings may think it strange.' It was much wiser to urge this consideration than to make a direct plea for mercy.