I looked round once at a sound, and found that James, anxious about us, had stolen along the passage and joined us.

Sapt took no notice of him, nor of anything save the words that dropped in irregular utterance from the stricken man's lips.

Here is the story, a strange instance of the turning of a great event on a small cause.
The king had eaten a little supper, and, having gone to his bedroom, had stretched himself on the bed and fallen asleep without undressing.
Herbert was clearing the dining-table and performing similar duties, when suddenly (thus he told it) he found a man standing beside him.
He did not know (he was new to the king's service) who the unexpected visitor was, but he was of middle height, dark, handsome, and "looked a gentleman all over." He was dressed in a shooting-tunic, and a revolver was thrust through the belt of it.

One hand rested on the belt, while the other held a small square box.
"Tell the king I am here.

He expects me," said the stranger.