SPENCER'S SURPRISE Duncombe had the nerves and temperament of the young Englishman of his class, whose life is mostly spent out of doors, and who has been an athlete all his days.

But nevertheless at that moment he was afraid.
Something in the stillness of the room oppressed him.

He could see nothing, hear nothing except the clock ticking upon the mantlepiece.

And yet he was afraid.
He fumbled desperately in his pocket for his matchbox.

When he had found it he discovered that it was empty.