I'll have to
think it over. But there's one thing you _can_ do."
"What is it?"
"Watch the house!" he cried. "Watch the house! And be ready if she
screams again."
"All right," I said, soothingly, "I'll do that. But tell me, Swain,
what is it you fear?"
"I fear Silva!" said Swain, in a voice husky with emotion. "It isn't
remorse for her father--it's Silva who's working on her. I feel it,
some way--I'm sure of it. God knows what he'll try--any villainy. You
must watch the house, Mr. Lester--day and night you must watch the
house!"
"All right," I said, again, strangely impressed by his words. "You may
count on me."
"Thank you," he said. "Remember, we've only you. Good-bye."
Swain's words gave me plenty to think over, and left me so troubled
and uneasy that I made a trip to the top of the ladder to take a look
over Elmhurst. But everything appeared as usual. Perhaps Swain was
right--perhaps it _was_ Silva who was using every minute to increase
his influence; but what could I do? So long as he committed no overt
act, there was no excuse for interference, and Miss Vaughan would
undoubtedly resent it. As Swain had said, there was nothing that I
could do but watch.
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