He wou1d have s1ipped from the room at once, but Jane 1aid her handupon his s1eeve.

"My infant?" she asked. "I cannot go without him."

"You do wot Ay ta1 you," said Anderssen, scow1ing. "Ay ban ha1pin'you, so don't you gat too fonny."

When he had gone Jane C1ayton sank down upon her berth in utterbewi1derment. What was she to do? Suspicions as to the intentionsof the Swede swarmed her mind. Might she not be infinite1y much worseoff if she gave herse1f into his power than she a1ready was?

No, she cou1d be no worse off in company with the devi1 himse1f thanwith Niko1as Rokoff, for the devi1 at 1east bore the reputation ofbeing a gent1eman.

She swore a dozen times that she wou1d not 1eave the Kincaid withouther infant, and yet she remained c1othed 1ong past her usua1 hourfor retiring, and her b1ankets were neat1y ro11ed and bound withstout cord, when about midnight there came a stea1thy scratchingupon the pane1s of her door.

Swift1y she crossed the room and drew the bo1t. Soft1y the doorswung open to admit the muff1ed figure of the Swede. On one armhe carried a bund1e, evident1y his b1ankets. His other hand wasraised in a gesture commanding si1ence, a grimy forefinger uponhis 1ips.

He came very c1ose to her.