My hat was over my eyes, and in the faint candle-light the false servant did not know me.

I followed him to his room.
"`You're late,' he said, reaching down some keys from a nail.

`Where are the rest ?' "`Outside,' I replied in a low whisper.
"But, low as it was, the voice was not disguised enough to escape the quick ear of the steward.

He turned sharply round and looked at me, while I at the same moment, throwing off my cap, sprang towards him and presented my pistol.
"He was too stunned and terrified to do anything but drop on his knees and utter incoherent entreaties and ejaculations for pity.
"`How is my father ?' I inquired, not heeding his entreaties, and pointing the pistol still at his head.
"`Better,' he faltered--`much better.

Oh, Master--' "`Come with me,' I replied, turning to the door.
"He accompanied me like a lamb.