Sir Stephen was as white as a ghost, and there was a look of absolute terror in his dark eyes.

On the face of the other man was an enigmatical smile, which was more bitter than a sneer.
"You are all right ?" said Stafford; "but I am afraid you were very much frightened!" The girl turned to him.

"You!" she said, recognising him.

"Did you stop them ?" "Yes; it was easy: they had had almost enough," he said.
While they were speaking, the two elder men drew apart as if instinctively.
"_You_, Falconer ?" murmured Sir Stephen, with ashy lips.
"Yes," assented the other, drily; "yes, I am here right enough.

Which is it to be--friend or foe ?" Sir Stephen stood gnawing his lip for a moment, then he turned to Stafford.
"Stafford, this--most extraordinary--this is an old friend of mine.
Falconer, this is my boy, my son Stafford!".