It doesn't seem likely now; but the mouse gnawed the lion's net, you know, and set him free." Whether it was the strange impressiveness with which the request was proffered, or that the softened mood of Hedges rendered him incapable of contention, certain it was that he granted it; and most likely would wonder at himself for it all his after-life.

Crossing the hall with silent tread, and taking up a candle as he went, he led the way to the room; Mr.Pike stepping after him with a tread equally silent.
"Take your hat off," peremptorily whispered the butler; for that worthy had entered the room with it on.

"Is that the way to--" "Hedges!" Hedges was struck with consternation at the call, for it was that of his new master.

He had not bargained for this; supposing that he had gone to his room for the night.

However he might have been foolishly won over to accede to the man's strange request, it was not to be supposed it would be approved of by Lord Hartledon.