.

ARCADES AMBO.
Towards midnight at last Sir Crispin flung down his cards and rose.

It was close upon an hour and a half since Hogan's advent.

In the streets the sounds had gradually died down, and peace seemed to reign again in Penrith.

Yet was Sir Crispin cautious--for to be cautious and mistrustful of appearances was the lesson life had taught him.
"Master Stewart," said he, "it grows late, and I doubt me you would be abed.