She sprang for the door but even as she moved she heard the click
of the bolt shot back. He touched the electric switch and the
room was suddenly in darkness. She heard him coming towards her,
she felt his hot breath upon her cheek.
"My loving wife!" he whispered. "At last!"
CHAPTER XXV
THE MADMAN TALKS
Tavernake turned on the light. Pritchard, with a quick leap
forward, seized Wenham around the waist and dragged him away.
Elizabeth had fainted; she lay upon the floor, her face the color
of marble.
"Get some water and throw over her," Pritchard ordered.
Tavernake obeyed. He threw open the window and let in a current
of air. In a moment or two the woman stirred and raised her
head.
"Look after her for a minute," Pritchard said. "I Il lock this
fierce little person up in the bathroom."
Pritchard carried his prisoner out. Tavernake leaned over the
woman who was slowly coming back to consciousness.
"Tell me about it," she asked, hoarsely. "Where is he?"
"Locked up in the bathroom," Tavernake answered. "Pritchard is
taking care of him. He won't be able to get out."
"You know who it was?" she faltered.
"I do not," Tavernake replied. "It isn't my business. I'm only
here because Pritchard begged me to come. He thought he might
want help."
She held his fingers tightly.
"Where were you?" she asked.
"In the bathroom when you arrived. Then he bolted the door
behind and we had to come round through your bedroom.
Pages:
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272