At least they could accomplish nothing without my cooperation, and, if I discovered any evil afoot, I could block them instantly.

I was there to save this property for the rightful heir, and was determined now to see that Philip Henley received all that was due him.

It was after one o'clock before I fell into a drowsy sleep.
Indeed, it hardly seemed to me that I had entirely lost consciousness, when I was jerked bolt upright by the sharp report of a firearm.

For a single instant I imagined the shot fired within my room; then I sprang to the door, and flung it open, peering out into the hall.

Everything was still, the rays from my lamp barely extending to the head of the stairs.