Of course this was mere raving on the part of Jen, who had no reason to connect either woman with the crime; but the poor man was beside himself with grief at the loss of Maurice, and hardly knew what he was saying. Being in this frame of mind he was by no means pleased when shortly after the delivery of Mrs. Dallas' message Dido made her appearance with a request for a personal interview. "I shan't see that black witch," cried the poor major. "David--Etwald, send her away." "I wouldn't if I were you, major!" said Etwald, judiciously; "she might be the bearer of valuable information, likely to lead to the detection of Alymer's assassin." "Then let her see the police, sir, although I don't agree with you. She is not the woman to put a rope round her own neck--black as it is." "But surely, Uncle Jen, you don't look upon her as the guilty person!" "How do I know who is guilty?" snapped Jen. "I wish I did! I'd hang him or her. But this black wretch and her confounded mistress have to do with the death of my poor boy, I am certain." "I doubt it. But will you see Dido or shall I send her away?" "Yes--no--yes. That is, I don't wish to see her. Ask her what she wants, David." David left the room and remained absent for some time. On his return he stated that Dido had come with a message from Isabella, and that she refused to deliver it to anyone save the major. Seeing that the negress was thus insistent, and wondering what Miss Dallas might want with him at so painful a time, Jen yielded, and Dido was admitted into the library. She looked taller, more massive, and more sullen than ever, and though she trembled at the sight of Dr. Etwald--who, by the way, kept his dark eyes studiously fixed on her--she was fairly composed when she addressed the major. "My lil missy want you, sar," said Dido, going straight to the point. "What does she want to see me about?" asked Jen, coldly. "I no know, massa. She weep! She ill! She make terrible bobbery, dat poo' girl. Massa, come an' see my lil missy dis day." "I can't at present. The police are in the house; there is a lot to be attended to. Tell your mistress, Dido, that I will see her to-morrow." "She want you to-day," insisted Dido, obstinately. "I have given you the message," said Jen, sharply. "Tell her I'll see her to-morrow. And now, Dido, I want to know what you have to do with this crime?" "I, massa! Ole Dido she do nuffin. Massa Maurice he die Voodoo! Oh, yes." "By that devil-stick poison?" "Me don't know what debble-stick is. I no touch him." It was clearly impossible to learn anything from so obstinate a creature, so Jen repeated that he would call upon Isabella on the morrow, and dismissed the negress. As she left the room Dr. Etwald followed her, and on his return mentioned casually that he had been giving Dido some instructions as to what was to be done with Isabella.