Page 214 (1/2)

"You co to say to you"

And, after a tiedly to the strap

Rudolph led the way outside, and here in the darkness he told Anna's

story, twisted and distorted through his oarped

and partially true Heran to alarm him, however, and

when at last he rose and oing to do?"

Herly

"Get out of my way"

"Don't be a fool," Rudolph entreated "You can beat her to death, and

what do you get out of it? She'll run away again if you touch her Put

that strap down I'ry, penetrated through Anna's haze of fright

and faintness She sat up in the bed, ready to spring to theif

she heard steps on the stairs When none came, but the voices, lowered

noent on endlessly below, she slipped out of her bed and crept to

the doorway

Sounds traveled clearly up the narrow enclosed stairway She stood

there, swaying slightly, until at last her legs would no longer support

her She crouched on the floor, a hand clutching her throat, lest she