E. W. Hornung: Dead Men Tell No Tales

CHAPTER 18: A MAN OF MANY MURDERS (continued)

"It's better than the death they would have lived to die."

"But only one of them was a wilful murderer! Oh, Mr. Cole - Mr. Cole - go and see what has happened; come back and tell me! I dare not come. I will stay here and pray for strength to bear whatever news you may bring me. Go quickly. I will - wait - and pray!"

So I left the poor child on her knees in that vile cellar, white face and straining hands uplifted to the foul ceiling, sweet lips quivering with prayer, eyelids reverently lowered, and the swift tears flowing from beneath them, all in the yellow light of the lantern that stood burning by her side. How different a picture from that which awaited me overhead!