Although feeling the need of food, Westcott entered the dining-room of the Timmons' House more desirous of being alone than for any other purpose.

He realised that he was suddenly brought face to face with a most serious condition, and one which must be solved unaided.

He dare not venture upon a single step forward until he had first thought out carefully the entire course to be followed.

Two lives, and perhaps three, including his own, were now in imminent peril, and any mistake on his part would prove most disastrous.

First of all he must keep his own counsel.