I'll dispose of the brat." This injunction was instantly obeyed.

The knight and his followers crossed the threshold, leaving one of the torch-bearers behind them.
"Davies," said Rowland, delivering the babe, with a meaning look, to his attendant.
"I understand, Sir," replied Davies, drawing a little aside.

And, setting down the link, he proceeded deliberately to untie his cravat.
"My God! will you see your child strangled before your eyes, and not so much as scream for help ?" said Wood, staring at the widow with a look of surprise and horror.

"Woman, your wits are fled!" And so it seemed; for all the answer she could make was to murmur distractedly, "I can't find the key." "Devil take the key!" ejaculated Wood.

"They're about to murder your child--_your_ child, I tell you! Do you comprehend what I say, Joan ?" "I've hurt my head," replied Mrs.Sheppard, pressing her hand to her temples.
And then, for the first time, Wood noticed a small stream of blood coursing slowly down her cheek.
At this moment, Davies, who had completed his preparations, extinguished the torch.
"It's all over," groaned Wood, "and perhaps it's as well her senses are gone.