"I am here," answered Aleem. "Come up--all is over."
Barraclough came quickly up the stairs. Aleem opened the door of
the back room.
"She died this morning early. Now, what are we to do? Bury her here?"
"No; it would look like murder if the body was ever found, and one
never knows. She'll be much safer buried in a cemetery."
"In a cemetery?"
"Yes--after an inquest. We had better let the law establish our
innocence _in case_ of accidents. It's always safer to do the bold
thing, Aleem--I've always found it so. Take this key, go downstairs,
unlock the cupboard in the parlour, and bring me up a bundle of old
clothes you'll find there--and bring a light."
I almost thought I heard Dorcas give a sigh of relief. She had
forgotten that she had burst the cupboard open. Had Barraclough gone
himself he would have noticed it.
Aleem went downstairs, and Dorcas rose quietly, went out softly, and
stopped him as he came up. "Leave the door ajar," she said under her
breath. Aleem evidently obeyed, for she remained outside.