THE FIGHT It was almost dark by the time they reached the lodge gates.

Brett, moved by impulse, stopped the carriage in the main road.

The others alighted after him.

Mrs.Crowe, the lodge-keeper's wife, opened the gates, and evidently wondered why the carriage did not enter.
"Good evening, Mrs.Crowe," said Brett, advancing.

"Have you seen a telegraph messenger recently ?" "Lawk, sir," she cried, "I didn't recognise you in the gloom! No, sir, there's been no messenger, only--" Then she uttered a startled exclamation.
"Why, there's Mr.David an' Mr.Robert! I could ha' sworn one of you gentlemen walked up to the house five minutes ago, an' I wunnered you never took no notice of me.