Then with a sharp look at the boy: "Where were you that you didn't notice her when she slipped off ?" "Oh, but I did, sir.

I was waiting for the clerk to give me the key, when I saw her step back from the gentleman's side and, looking quickly round to see if any one was noticing her, slide off into the reception-room.

I thought she wanted a drink of water out of the pitcher on the center-table, but if she did, she didn't come back after she had got it.

None of us ever saw her again." "Did you follow Mr.Ransom when he walked through those rooms ?" "No, sir; I stayed in the hall." "Did the lady hobble when she slid thus mysteriously out of sight ?" "A little.

Not so much as when she came in.