The suite of rooms, comprising sitting room, bedroom and bath, which Corbin and his wife occupied, was at one end of the winding corridor and off a landing halfway up a flight of steps leading to the garret. Miriam took note of the comfortable furniture in the bedroom as she assisted Martha out of her clothes and into bed. The housekeeper was taciturn to the point of sullenness, and Miriam finally forbore to address her. "Drink this," she handed a glass to Martha as she spoke. "It is a harmless sedative; don't be alarmed," observing the woman's expression. "You will feel better in the morning." "Will it make me sleep?" asked Martha, huddling down under the blankets. "Yes." Miriam halted by the door. "Is there anything more I can do for you?" "No." Martha remembered her manners and her face emerged from under the blankets. "Thank you, Ma'am--Miss. Jest blow out the lamp as you go along." Miriam hesitated. "You are not afraid to stay in the dark?" "No, Ma'am--Miss. Good night." Miriam echoed the words as she carried out Martha's wishes, then closing the door softly she went thoughtfully down the corridor. She had almost reached Mrs. Nash's door when Trenholm called her name softly and joined her a moment later. "Did you learn anything from the housekeeper?" he asked. She shook her head. "Martha hardly spoke." Miriam paused. "Her condition may be due to hysteria." Trenholm studied her expression. "But you don't think so--" She looked straight at him. "No. I believe the woman was almost paralyzed with fright." Trenholm remained silent for a few seconds, then roused himself. "You may be right," he said. "I hope Mrs. Nash suffers no ill effects from her rude awakening. A moment, Miss Ward," as Miriam laid her hand on Mrs. Nash's bedroom door. "Please tell Mr. Mason that I will remain with Abbott's body. If you," he lowered his voice almost to a whisper, "if you need me, you will find me there," and turning he went down the corridor. Alan Mason rose at Miriam's approach and relinquished his seat by the bedside, with a relieved air. "Mrs. Nash _will_ talk," he remarked, "although I tried to monopolize the conversation in the hope of making her sleepy. Is there anything more I can do?" His question was intended for Miriam but Mrs. Nash answered it. "Close the door behind you," she said tartly, and Alan colored as he met Miriam's dark eyes, with a faint quizzical gleam in them. "Sheriff Trenholm is with the body," she murmured, as he passed her on his way out of the room. "Good night." "What did you say?" demanded Mrs. Nash, raising herself on her elbow.