I know, Sir Malcolm, that I'll not die till my time comes; but please the good God when my time does come I will try to die talking." "That you will," said I.
"True word, Sir Malcolm," she answered, and I left her in possession of the field.
I went into the courtyard, and when Sir George saw me he said, "Malcolm, come with me to my room; I want a word with you." We went to his room.
"I suppose you know of the fellow's escape last night ?" he said.
"Yes," I replied, "Bess told me about it in the kitchen." It seemed to me that my words said, "I did it." "Not only was the fellow liberated," said my cousin, "but the keys to all the outer gates and doors of the Hall have been stolen and carried away.
Can you help me unravel this affair ?" "Do you suspect any one of having stolen the keys ?" I asked.
"I know, of course, that Dorothy did it.

Who her accomplices were, if any she had, I do not know.

I have catechized the servants, but the question is bottomless to me." "Have you spoken to Dorothy on the subject ?" I asked.
"No," he replied, "but I have sent word to her by the Faxton girl that I am going to see her at once.

Come with me." We went into Lady Crawford's room.

She was ill and in bed.