Lillian Newton was not the only stranger at Plantation Inn. The heavy rainsthat had flooded the river and forced her to seek refuge at the oldstage-stop had driven others to the sanctuary as well. At first, Lillianpaid scant attention to the rest of the group. But soon she sensed a tensionin the atmosphere. Rumors of an escaped killer---an outlaw whose viciousdeeds had terrorized the countryside---spread a chill blanket of uneasinessover the charming old house. Then things began to happen: the stalkingshadow glimpsed through the trees, the cat whose throat had been cut, themysterious crying of an infant ... Lillian was suddenly suspicious ofeveryone. Especially the handsome young Frenchman, Jean Marsh, whosearrogant manner aroused a curious inner fury that she could not define.Lillian was certain now that the killer was among them. But which one? Andhow long before he would strike again?