There was a pause of silence.
Was he examining the weapon?
Before they could ask themselves the question, the report of the
exploding charge burst on their ears. It was instantly followed by a
heavy fall. They looked at the opposite wall of the room. No sign of a
bullet there or anywhere.
Launce signed to them not to move yet. They waited, and listened.
Nothing stirred on the landing outside.
Suddenly there was a disturbance of the silence in the lower regions--a
clamor of many voices at the open house door. Had the firing of the
revolver been heard at the vicarage? Yes! They recognized the vicar's
voice among the others. A moment more, and they heard a general
exclamation of horror on the stairs. Launce opened the door of the room.
He instantly closed it again before Natalie could follow him.
The dead body of Turlington lay on the landing outside. The charge in
the fourth barrel of the revolver had exploded while he was looking at
it. The bullet had entered his mouth and killed him on the spot.