Yet he scarcely realized these details at the time so closely was his whole attention centred on the figure of a man.

The fellow occupied a stool before the fireplace, and was bending slightly forward, staring down at the red embers, unconscious of the intruder.

He was a thin-chested, unkempt individual with long hair, and shaggy whiskers, both iron gray.

The side of his face and neck had a sallow look, while his nose was prominent.

The Sergeant surveyed him a moment, his cocked revolver covering the motionless figure, his lips set grimly.