"I assure you, madam, it is perfectly true. When I came here a few minutes ago I found both her and her husband lying dead upon the floor down-stairs, and the room in flames. But for my opportune arrival in time to extinguish the fire, the house must have soon burned down, and you would inevitably have perished with it." Fanny trembled like a leaf in a storm. "It was a narrow escape," she murmured. "And so they both are dead. Did they kill each other?" "I should say not," replied Mr. Shelton. "They both looked as though they had been poisoned. They certainly died suddenly, for their half-consumed dinner was upon the table. This fact, taken in conjunction with the fire, leads me to think they were poisoned by some enemy who then set fire to the house to cover up all traces of the crime." "They have met with a fearful punishment for their evil deeds," said Fanny, solemnly. "And now I wish to ask you a question," said her deliverer, "Do you know of any reason for Mr. Colville's visits here now, since he does not come to see you?" "The villain," she uttered, indignantly. "Oh, yes, sir. I know full well. He has a young girl imprisoned here whom he is trying to force into a marriage with him." Mr. Shelton saw that she was growing weak and faint, and poured a little wine between her lips. "That makes me feel stronger," she said, reviving. "Mrs. Colville," he said, "you must be mistaken. I have searched the house carefully through, and there is not another living soul here beside yourself." "Oh, then she has either escaped again or they have removed her to another place," was the confident reply. "Are you quite sure the lady was ever imprisoned in this house, Mrs. Colville?" "Oh, I am perfectly sure of that, sir. She occupied the room above me for some time. My groans troubled her so that she sought for me and found me here in my misery." "And she told you that she was your husband's prisoner?" "Yes, sir," answered poor Fanny, sighing. "I had her whole sad story from her own sweet lips." "Was she a New York lady?" inquired the detective, evincing a deep interest. "Yes, sir, and the daughter of a wealthy man." "If you feel equal to the task I wish you would tell me all you know about the lady. I am deeply interested in her fate," said he very gently, though he was burning with impatience to learn more of Colville's mysterious prisoner. "I think I am strong enough. Your coming has put new life and hope into me," answered the grateful creature. "Go on, then," said he. "Did the wicked Colville abduct her from her home?"