CHAPTER IV.
A RESCUE.
My curiosity was rather long in being gratified, and but for a very strange occurrence, which I shall presently describe, probably never would have been gratified.

Even after I had been a member of Mr.Fortescue's household for several months, I knew little more of his antecedents and circumstances than on the day when he made me the proposal which I have just mentioned.

If I attempted to lead up to the subject, he would either cleverly evade it or say bluntly that he preferred to talk about something else.

Save as to matters that did not particularly interest me, Ramon was as reticent as his master; and as Geist had only been with Mr.Fortescue during the latter's residence at Kingscote, his knowledge, or, rather, his ignorance was on a par with my own.
Mr.Fortescue's character was as enigmatic as his history was obscure.

He seemed to be destitute both of kinsfolk and friends, never made any allusion to his family, neither noticed women nor discussed them.