And now," he added, changing his voice, "is this place private ?" "Let's see," said Dirk, "they have cleared the things away, and the old housekeeper has tidied up my bedroom.

Yes, I think so.

Nobody ever comes up here after ten o'clock.

What is it ?" Brant touched his arm, and, understanding the truth, Dirk led the way into the window-place.

There, standing with his back to the room, and his hands crossed in a peculiar fashion, he uttered the word, "_Jesus_," and paused.