Pushingopenthedoor，Northmouradmittedmebeforehimintotheapartment。AsIcameinIcouldseethedaughterslippingoutbythesidedoorintothestudy，whichhadbeenpreparedasherbedroom。Inthebed，whichwasdrawnbackagainstthewall，insteadofstanding，asIhadlastseenit，boldlyacrossthewindow，satBernardHuddlestone，thedefaultingbanker。LittleasIhadseenofhimbytheshiftinglightofthelanternonthelinks，Ihadnodifficultyinrecognizinghimforthesame。Hehadalongandsallowcountenance，surroundedbyalongredbeardandside-whiskers。Hisbrokennoseandhighcheek-honesgavehimsomewhattheairofaKalmuck，andhislighteyesshonewiththeexcitementofahighfever。Heworeaskull-capofblacksilk；ahugeBiblelayopenbeforehimonthebed，withapairofgoldspectaclesintheplace，andapileofotherbookslayonthestandbyhisside。Thegreencurtainslentacadaverousshadetohischeek；and，ashesatproppedonpillows，hisgreatstaturewaspainfullyhunched，andhisheadprotrudedtillitoverhunghisknees。Ibelieveifhehadnotdiedotherwise，hemusthavefallenavictimtoconsumptioninthecourseofbutaveryfewweeks。
　　Heheldouttomeahand，long，thin，anddisagreeablyhairy。
　　“Comein，comein，Mr。Cassilis，“saidhe。“Anotherprotector——
　　ahem！——anotherprotector。Alwayswelcomeasafriendofmydaughter”s，Mr。Cassilis。Howtheyhaveralliedaboutme，mydaughter”sfriends！MayGodinheavenblessandrewardthemforit！“
　　Igavehimmyhand，ofcourse，becauseIcouldnothelpit；butthesympathyIhadbeenpreparedtofeelforClara”sfatherwasimmediatelysouredbyhisappearance，andthewheedling，unrealtonesinwhichhespoke。
　　“Cassilisisagoodman，“saidNorthmour；“worthten。”
　　“SoIhear，“criedMr。Huddlestoneeagerly；“somygirltellsme。
　　Ah，Mr。Cassilis，mysinhasfoundmeout，yousee！Iamverylow，verylow；butIhopeequallypenitent。Wemustallcometothethroneofgraceatlast，Mr。Cassilis。Formypart，Icomelateindeed；butwithunfeignedhumility，Itrust。”
　　“Fiddle-de-dee！“saidNorthmourroughly。
　　“No，no，dearNorthmour！“criedthebanker。“Youmustnotsaythat；youmustnottrytoshakeme。Youforget，mydear，goodboy，youforgetImaybecalledthisverynightbeforemyMaker。”
　　Hisexcitementwaspitifultobehold；andIfeltmyselfgrowindignantwithNorthmour，whoseinfidelopinionsIwellknew，andheartilydespised，ashecontinuedtotauntthepoorsinneroutofhishumorofrepentance。
　　“Pooh，mydearHuddlestone！“saidhe。“Youdoyourselfinjustice。
　　Youareamanoftheworldinsideandout，andwereuptoallkindsofmischiefbeforeIwasborn。YourconscienceistannedlikeSouthAmericanleather——onlyyouforgottotanyourliver，andthat，ifyouwillbelieveme，istheseatoftheannoyance。”
　　“Rogue，rogue！badboy！“saidMr。Huddlestone，shakinghisfinger。
　　“Iamnoprecisian，ifyoucometothat；Ialwayshatedaprecisian；butIneverlostholdofsomethingbetterthroughitall。Ihavebeenabadboy，Mr。Cassilis；Idonotseektodenythat；butitwasaftermywife”sdeath，andyouknow，withawidower，it”sadifferentthing：sinful——Iwon”tsayno；butthereisagradation，weshallhope。Andtalkingofthat——Hark！“hebrokeoutsuddenly，hishandraised，hisfingersspread，hisfacerackedwithinterestandterror。“Onlytherain，blessGod！“headded，afterapause，andwithindescribablerelief。
　　Forsomesecondshelaybackamongthepillowslikeamanneartofainting；thenhegatheredhimselftogether，and，insomewhattremuloustones，beganoncemoretothankmefortheshareIwaspreparedtotakeinhisdefense。
　　“Onequestion，sir，“saidI，whenhehadpaused。“Isittruethatyouhavemoneywithyou？“
　　Heseemedannoyedbythequestion，butadmittedwithreluctancethathehadalittle。
　　“Well，“Icontinued，“itistheirmoneytheyareafter，isitnot？
　　Whynotgiveituptothem？“
　　“Ah！“repliedhe，shakinghishead，“Ihavetriedthatalready，Mr。
　　Cassilis；andalas！thatitshouldbeso，butitisbloodtheywant。”
　　“Huddlestone，that”salittlelessthanfair，“saidNorthmour。
　　“Youshouldmentionthatwhatyouofferedthemwasupwardoftwohundredthousandshort。Thedeficitisworthareference；itisforwhattheycallacoolsum，Frank。Then，yousee，thefellowsreasonintheirclearItalianway；anditseemstothem，asindeeditseemstome，thattheymayjustaswellhavebothwhilethey”reaboutit——moneyandbloodtogether，byGeorge，andnomoretroublefortheextrapleasure。”
　　“Isitinthepavilion？“Iasked。
　　“Itis；andIwishitwereinthebottomoftheseainstead，“saidNorthmour；andthensuddenly”Whatareyoumakingfacesatmefor？“hecriedtoMr。Huddlestone，onwhomIhadunconsciouslyturnedmyback。“DoyouthinkCassiliswouldsellyou？“
　　Mr。Huddlestoneprotestedthatnothinghadbeenfurtherfromhismind。
　　“Itisagoodthing，“retortedNorthmourinhisugliestmanner。
　　“Youmightendbywearyingus。Whatwereyougoingtosay？“headded，turningtome。
　　“Iwasgoingtoproposeanoccupationfortheafternoon，“saidI。
　　“Letuscarrythatmoneyout，piecebypiece，andlayitdownbeforethepaviliondoor。Ifthecarbonaricome，why，it”stheirsatanyrate。”
　　“No，no，“criedMr。Huddlestone；“itdoesnot，itcannot，belongtothem！Itshouldbedistributedprorataamongallmycreditors。”
　　“Comenow，Huddlestone，“saidNorthmour，“noneofthat。”
　　“Well，butmydaughter，“moanedthewretchedman。“Yourdaughterwilldowellenough。Herearetwosuitors，CassilisandI，neitherofusbeggars，betweenwhomshehastochoose。Andasforyourself，tomakeanendofarguments，youhavenorighttoafarthing，and，unlessI”mmuchmistaken，youaregoingtodie。”
　　Itwascertainlyverycruellysaid；butMr。Huddlestonewasamanwhoattractedlittlesympathy；and，althoughIsawhimwinceandshudder，Imentallyindorsedtherebuke；nay，Iaddedacontributionofmyown。
　　“NorthmourandI，“Isaid，“arewillingenoughtohelpyoutosaveyourlife，butnottoescapewithstolenproperty。”
　　Hestruggledforawhilewithhimself，asthoughhewereonthepointofgivingwaytoanger，butprudencehadthebestofthecontroversy。
　　“Mydearboys，“hesaid，“dowithmeormymoneywhatyouwill。I
　　leaveallinyourhands。Letmecomposemyself。”
　　Andsowelefthim，gladlyenoughIamsure。
　　ThelastthatIsaw，hehadoncemoretakenuphisgreatBible，andwithtremuloushandswasadjustinghisspectaclestoread。
　　VII
　　Therecollectionofthatafternoonwillalwaysbegravenonmymind。NorthmourandIwerepersuadedthatanattackwasimminent；
　　andifithadbeeninourpowertoalterinanywaytheorderofevents，thatpowerwouldhavebeenusedtoprecipitateratherthandelaythecriticalmoment。Theworstwastobeanticipated；yetwecouldconceivenoextremitysomiserableasthesuspensewewerenowsuffering。Ihaveneverbeenaneager，thoughalwaysagreat，reader；butIneverknewbookssoinsipidasthosewhichItookupandcastasidethatafternooninthepavilion。Eventalkbecameimpossible，asthehourswenton。Oneorotherwasalwayslisteningforsomesound，orpeeringfromanupstairswindowoverthelinks。Andyetnotasignindicatedthepresenceofourfoes。
　　Wedebatedoverandoveragainmyproposalwithregardtothemoney；andhadwebeenincompletepossessionofourfaculties，I
　　amsureweshouldhavecondemneditasunwise；butwewereflusteredwithalarm，graspedatastraw，anddetermined，althoughitwasasmuchasadvertisingMr。Huddlestone”spresenceinthepavilion，tocarrymyproposalintoeffect。
　　Thesumwaspartinspecie，partinbankpaper，andpartincircularnotespayabletothenameofJamesGregory。Wetookitout，countedit，incloseditoncemoreinadispatchboxbelongingtoNorthmour，andpreparedaletterinItalianwhichhetiedtothehandle。Itwassignedbybothofusunderoath，anddeclaredthatthiswasallthemoneywhichhadescapedthefailureofthehouseofHuddlestone。Thiswas，perhaps，themaddestactioneverperpetratedbytwopersonsprofessingtobesane。Hadthedispatchboxfallenintootherhandsthanthoseforwhichitwasintended，westoodcriminallyconvictedonourownwrittentestimony；but，asIhavesaid，wewereneitherofusinaconditiontojudgesoberly，andhadathirstforactionthatdroveustodosomething，rightorwrong，ratherthanenduretheagonyofwaiting。Moreover，aswewerebothconvincedthatthehollowsofthelinkswerealivewithhiddenspiesuponourmovements，wehopedthatourappearancewiththeboxmightleadtoaparley，and，perhaps，acompromise。
　　Itwasnearlythreewhenweissuedfromthepavilion。Therainhadtakenoff；thesunshonequitecheerfully。Ihadneverseenthegullsflysocloseaboutthehouseorapproachsofearlesslytohumanbeings。Ontheverydoorsteponeflappedheavilypastourheads，anduttereditswildcryinmyveryear。
　　“Thereisanomenforyou，“saidNorthmour，wholikeallfreethinkerswasmuchundertheinfluenceofsuperstition。“Theythinkwearealreadydead。”
　　Imadesomelightrejoinder，butitwaswithhalfmyheart；forthecircumstancehadimpressedme。
　　Ayardortwobeforethegate，onapatchofsmoothturf，wesetdownthedispatchbox；andNorthmourwavedawhitehandkerchiefoverhishead。Nothingreplied。Weraisedourvoices，andcriedaloudinItalianthatwewerethereasambassadorstoarrangethequarrel，butthestillnessremainedunbrokensavebytheseagullsandthesurf。Ihadaweightatmyheartwhenwedesisted；andI
　　sawthatevenNorthmourwasunusuallypale。Helookedoverhisshouldernervously，asthoughhefearedthatsomeonehadcreptbetweenhimandthepaviliondoor。
　　“ByGod，“hesaidinawhisper，“thisistoomuchforme！“
　　Irepliedinthesamekey：“Supposethereshouldbenone，afterall！“
　　“Lookthere，“hereturned，noddingwithhishead，asthoughhehadbeenafraidtopoint。
　　Iglancedinthedirectionindicated；andthere，fromthenorthernquarteroftheSea-Wood，beheldathincolumnofsmokerisingsteadilyagainstthenowcloudlesssky。
　　“Northmour，“Isaidwestillcontinuedtotalkinwhispers，“itisnotpossibletoendurethissuspense。Ipreferdeathfiftytimesover。Stayyouheretowatchthepavilion；Iwillgoforwardandmakesure，ifIhavetowalkrightintotheircamp。”
　　Helookedonceagainallroundhimwithpuckeredeyes，andthennoddedassentinglytomyproposal。
　　MyheartheatlikeasledgehammerasIsetoutwalkingrapidlyinthedirectionofthesmoke；and，thoughuptothatmomentIhadfeltchillandshivering，Iwassuddenlyconsciousofaglowofheatallovermybody。Thegroundinthisdirectionwasveryuneven；ahundredmenmighthavelainhiddeninasmanysquareyardsaboutmypath。ButIwhohadnotpracticedthebusinessinvain，chosesuchroutesascutattheveryrootofconcealment，and，bykeepingalongthemostconvenientridges，commandedseveralhollowsatatime。ItwasnotlongbeforeIwasrewardedformycaution。Comingsuddenlyontoamoundsomewhatmoreelevatedthanthesurroundinghummocks，Isaw，notthirtyyardsaway，amanbentalmostdouble，andrunningasfastashisattitudepermitted，alongthebottomofagully。Ihaddislodgedoneofthespiesfromhisambush。AssoonasIsightedhim，IcalledloudlybothinEnglishandItalian；andhe，seeingconcealmentwasnolongerpossible，straightenedhimselfout，leapedfromthegully，andmadeoffasstraightasanarrowforthebordersofthewood。Itwasnoneofmybusinesstopursue；IhadlearnedwhatIwanted——thatwewerebeleagueredandwatchedinthepavilion；andIreturnedatonce，andwalkedasnearlyaspossibleinmyoldfootsteps，towhereNorthmourawaitedmebesidethedispatchbox。HewasevenpalerthanwhenIhadlefthim，andhisvoiceshookalittle。
　　“Couldyouseewhathewaslike？“heasked。
　　“Hekepthisbackturned，“Ireplied。
　　“Letusgetintothehouse，Frank。Idon”tthinkI”macoward，butIcanstandnomoreofthis，“hewhispered。
　　Allwasstillandsunshinyaboutthepavilion，asweturnedtoreenterit；eventhegullshadflowninawidercircuit，andwereseenflickeringalongthebeachandsandhills；andthislonelinessterrifiedmemorethanaregimentunderarms。ItwasnotuntilthedoorwasbarricadedthatIcoulddrawafullinspirationandrelievetheweightthatlayuponmybosom。NorthmourandI
　　exchangedasteadyglance；andIsupposeeachmadehisownreflectionsonthewhiteandstartledaspectoftheother。
　　“Youwereright，“Isaid。“Allisover。Shakehands，oldman，forthelasttime。”
　　“Yes，“repliedhe，“Iwillshakehands；for，assureasIamhere，Ibearnomalice。But，remember，if，bysomeimpossibleaccident，weshouldgivethesliptotheseblackguards，I”lltaketheupperhandofyoubyfairorfoul。”
　　“Oh，“saidI，“youwearyme！“
　　Heseemedhurt，andwalkedawayinsilencetothefootofthestairs，wherehepaused。
　　“Youdonotunderstand，“saidhe。“Iamnotaswindler，andI
　　guardmyself；thatisall。Imaywearyyouornot，Mr。Cassilis，I
　　donotcarearush；Ispeakformyownsatisfaction，andnotforyouramusement。Youhadbettergoupstairsandcourtthegirl；formypart，Istayhere。”
　　“AndIstaywithyou，“Ireturned。“DoyouthinkIwouldstealamarch，evenwithyourpermission？“
　　“Frank，“hesaid，smiling，“it”sapityyouareanass，foryouhavethemakingsofaman。IthinkImustbefeyto-day；youcannotirritatemeevenwhenyoutry。Doyouknow，“hecontinuedsoftly，“IthinkwearethetwomostmiserablemeninEngland，youandI？wehavegotontothirtywithoutwifeorchild，orsomuchasashoptolookafter——poor，pitiful，lostdevils，both！Andnowweclashaboutagirl！AsiftherewerenotseveralmillionsintheUnitedKingdom！Ah，Frank，Frank，theonewholoseshisthrow，beityouorme，hehasmypity！Itwerebetterforhim——howdoestheBiblesay？——thatamillstonewerehangedabouthisneckandhewerecastintothedepthofthesea。Letustakeadrink，“heconcludedsuddenly，butwithoutanylevityoftone。
　　Iwastouchedbyhiswords，andconsented。Hesatdownonthetableinthedining-room，andhelduptheglassofsherrytohiseye。
　　“Ifyoubeatme，Frank，“hesaid，“Ishalltaketodrink。Whatwillyoudo，ifitgoestheotherway？“
　　“Godknows，“Ireturned。
　　“Well，“saidhe，“hereisatoastinthemeantime：”Italiairredenta！”“
　　Theremainderofthedaywaspassedinthesamedreadfultediumandsuspense。Ilaidthetablefordinner，whileNorthmourandClarapreparedthemealtogetherinthekitchen。IcouldheartheirtalkasIwenttoandfro，andwassurprisedtofinditranallthetimeuponmyself。Northmouragainbracketedustogether，andralliedClaraonachoiceofhusbands；buthecontinuedtospeakofmewithsomefeeling，andutterednothingtomyprejudiceunlessheincludedhimselfinthecondemnation。Thisawakenedasenseofgratitudeinmyheart，whichcombinedwiththeimmediatenessofourperiltofillmyeyeswithtears。Afterall，Ithought——andperhapsthethoughtwaslaughablyvain——wewereherethreeverynoblehumanbeingstoperishindefenseofathievingbanker。
　　Beforewesatdowntotable，Ilookedforthfromanupstairswindow。Thedaywasbeginningtodecline；thelinkswereutterlydeserted；thedispatchboxstilllayuntouchedwherewehadleftithoursbefore。
　　Mr。Huddlestone，inalongyellowdressinggown，tookoneendofthetable，Claratheother；whileNorthmourandIfacedeachotherfromthesides。Thelampwasbrightlytrimmed；thewinewasgood；
　　theviands，althoughmostlycold，excellentoftheirsort。Weseemedtohaveagreedtacitly；allreferencetotheimpendingcatastrophewascarefullyavoided；and，consideringourtragiccircumstances，wemadeamerrierpartythancouldhavebeenexpected。Fromtimetotime，itistrue，NorthmourorIwouldrisefromtableandmakearoundofthedefenses；and，oneachoftheseoccasions，Mr。Huddlestonewasrecalledtoasenseofhistragicpredicament，glancedupwithghastlyeyes，andboreforaninstantonhiscountenancethestampofterror。Buthehastenedtoemptyhisglass，wipedhisforeheadwithhishandkerchief，andjoinedagainintheconversation。
　　Iwasastonishedatthewitandinformationhedisplayed。Mr。
　　Huddlestone”swascertainlynoordinarycharacter；hehadreadandobservedforhimself；hisgiftsweresound；and，thoughIcouldneverhavelearnedtolovetheman，Ibegantounderstandhissuccessinbusiness，andthegreatrespectinwhichhehadbeenheldbeforehisfailure。Hehad，aboveall，thetalentofsociety；
　　andthoughIneverheardhimspeakbutonthisoneandmostunfavorableoccasion，IsethimdownamongthemostbrilliantconversationalistsIevermet。
　　Hewasrelatingwithgreatgusto，andseeminglynofeelingofshame，themaneuversofascoundrellycommissionmerchantwhomhehadknownandstudiedinhisyouth，andwewerealllisteningwithanoddmixtureofmirthandembarrassment，whenourlittlepartywasbroughtabruptlytoanendinthemoststartlingmanner。
　　AnoiselikethatofawetfingeronthewindowpaneinterruptedMr。Huddlestone”stale；andinaninstantwewereallfouraswhiteaspaper，andsattongue-tiedandmotionlessroundthetable。
　　“Asnail，“Isaidatlast；forIhadheardthattheseanimalsmakeanoisesomewhatsimilarincharacter。
　　“Snailbed——d！“saidNorthmour。“Hush！“
　　Thesamesoundwasrepeatedtwiceatregularintervals；andthenaformidablevoiceshoutedthroughtheshutterstheItalianword，“Traditore！“
　　Mr。Huddlestonethrewhisheadintheair；hiseyelidsquivered；
　　nextmomenthefellinsensiblebelowthetable。NorthmourandI
　　hadeachruntothearmoryandseizedagun。Clarawasonherfeetwithherhandatherthroat。
　　Sowestoodwaiting，forwethoughtthehourofattackwascertainlycome；butsecondpassedaftersecond，andallbutthesurfremainedsilentintheneighborhoodofthepavilion。
　　“Quick，“saidNorthmour；“upstairswithhimbeforetheycome。”
　　VIII
　　Somehoworother，byhookandcrook，andbetweenthethreeofus，wegotBernardHuddlestonebundledupstairsandlaiduponthebedinMyUncle”sRoom。Duringthewholeprocess，whichwasroughenough，hegavenosignofconsciousness，andheremained，aswehadthrownhim，withoutchangingthepositionofafinger。Hisdaughteropenedhisshirtandbegantowethisheadandbosom；
　　whileNorthmourandIrantothewindow。Theweathercontinuedclear；themoon，whichwasnowaboutfull，hadrisenandshedaveryclearlightuponthelinks；yet，strainoureyesaswemight，wecoulddistinguishnothingmoving。Afewdarkspots，moreorless，ontheunevenexpansewerenottobeidentified；theymightbecrouchingmen，theymightbeshadows；itwasimpossibletobesure。
　　“ThankGod，“saidNorthmour，“Aggieisnotcomingto-night。”
　　Aggiewasthenameoftheoldnurse；hehadnotthoughtofheruntilnow；butthatheshouldthinkofheratallwasatraitthatsurprisedmeintheman。
　　Wewereagainreducedtowaiting。Northmourwenttothefireplaceandspreadhishandsbeforetheredembers，asifhewerecold。I
　　followedhimmechanicallywithmyeyes，andinsodoingturnedmybackuponthewindow。Atthatmomentaveryfaintreportwasaudiblefromwithout，andaballshiveredapaneofglass，andburieditselfintheshuttertwoinchesfrommyhead。IheardClarascream；andthoughIwhippedinstantlyoutofrangeandintoacorner，shewasthere，sotospeak，beforeme，beseechingtoknowifIwerehurt。IfeltthatIcouldstandtobeshotateverydayandalldaylong，withsuchremarksofsolicitudeforareward；andIcontinuedtoreassureher，withthetenderestcaressesandincompleteforgetfulnessofoursituation，tillthevoiceofNorthmourrecalledmetomyself。
　　“Anairgun，“hesaid。“Theywishtomakenonoise。”
　　IputClaraaside，andlookedathim。Hewasstandingwithhisbacktothefireandhishandsclaspedbehindhim；andIknewbytheblacklookonhisface，thatpassionwasboilingwithin。Ihadseenjustsuchalookbeforeheattackedme，thatMarchnight，intheadjoiningchamber；and，thoughIcouldmakeeveryallowanceforhisanger，IconfessItrembledfortheconsequences。Hegazedstraightbeforehim；buthecouldseeuswiththetailofhiseye，andhistemperkeptrisinglikeagaleofwind。Withregularbattleawaitingusoutside，thisprospectofaninternecinestrifewithinthewallsbegantodauntme。
　　Suddenly，asIwasthuscloselywatchinghisexpressionandpreparedagainsttheworst，Isawachange，aflash，alookofrelief，uponhisface。Hetookupthelampwhichstoodbesidehimonthetable，andturnedtouswithanairofsomeexcitement。
　　“Thereisonepointthatwemustknow，“saidhe。“Aretheygoingtobutcherthelotofus，oronlyHuddlestone？Didtheytakeyouforhim，orfireatyouforyourownbeauxyeux？“
　　“Theytookmeforhim，forcertain，“Ireplied。“Iamnearastall，andmyheadisfair。”
　　“Iamgoingtomakesure，“returnedNorthmour；andhesteppeduptothewindow，holdingthelampabovehishead，andstoodthere，quietlyaffrontingdeath，forhalfaminute。
　　Clarasoughttorushforwardandpullhimfromtheplaceofdanger；
　　butIhadthepardonableselfishnesstoholdherbackbyforce。
　　“Yes，“saidNorthmour，turningcoollyfromthewindow，“it”sonlyHuddlestonetheywant。”
　　“Oh，Mr。Northmour！“criedClara；butfoundnomoretoadd；thetemerityshehadjustwitnessedseemingbeyondthereachofwords。
　　He，onhispart，lookedatme，cockinghishead，withafireoftriumphinhiseyes；andIunderstoodatoncethathehadthushazardedhislife，merelytoattractClara”snotice，anddeposemefrommypositionastheheroofthehour。Hesnappedhisfingers。
　　“Thefireisonlybeginning，“saidhe。“Whentheywarmuptotheirwork，theywon”tbesoparticular。”
　　Avoicewasnowheardhailingusfromtheentrance。Fromthewindowwecouldseethefigureofamaninthemoonlight；hestoodmotionless，hisfaceupliftedtoours，andaragofsomethingwhiteonhisextendedarm；andaswelookedrightdownuponhim，thoughhewasagoodmanyyardsdistantonthelinks，wecouldseethemoonlightglitteronhiseyes。
　　Heopenedhislipsagain，andspokeforsomeminutesonend，inakeysoloudthathemighthavebeenheardineverycornerofthepavilion，andasfarawayasthebordersofthewood。Itwasthesamevoicethathadalreadyshouted，“Traditore！“throughtheshuttersofthedining-room；thistimeitmadeacompleteandclearstatement。Ifthetraitor“Oddlestone“weregivenup，allothersshouldbespared；ifnot，nooneshouldescapetotellthetale。
　　“Well，Huddlestone，whatdoyousaytothat？“askedNorthmour，turningtothebed。
　　Uptothatmomentthebankerhadgivennosignoflife，andI，atleast，hadsupposedhimtobestilllyinginafaint；butherepliedatonce，andinsuchtonesasIhaveneverheardelsewhere，savefromadeliriouspatient，adjuredandbesoughtusnottodeserthim。Itwasthemosthideousandabjectperformancethatmyimaginationcanconceive。
　　“Enough，“criedNorthmour；andthenhethrewopenthewindow，leanedoutintothenight，andinatoneofexultation，andwithatotalforgetfulnessofwhatwasduetothepresenceofalady，pouredoutupontheambassadorastringofthemostabominableraillerybothinEnglishandItalian，andbadehimbegonewherehehadcomefrom。IbelievethatnothingsodelightedNorthmouratthatmomentasthethoughtthatwemustallinfalliblyperishbeforethenightwasout。
　　Meantime，theItalianputhisflagoftruceintohispocket，anddisappeared，ataleisurelypace，amongthesandhills。
　　“Theymakehonorablewar，“saidNorthmour。“Theyareallgentlemenandsoldiers。Forthecreditofthething，Iwishwecouldchangesides——youandI，Frank，andyou，too，missy，mydarling——andleavethatbeingonthebedtosomeoneelse。Tut！Don”tlookshocked！
　　Weareallgoingposttowhattheycalleternity，andmayaswellbeaboveboardwhilethere”stime。AsfarasIamconcerned，ifI
　　couldfirststrangleHuddlestoneandthengetClarainmyarms，I
　　coulddiewithsomeprideandsatisfaction。Andasitis，byGod，I”llhaveakiss！“
　　BeforeIcoulddoanythingtointerfere，hehadrudelyembracedandrepeatedlykissedtheresistinggirl。NextmomentIhadpulledhimawaywithfury，andflunghimheavilyagainstthewall。Helaughedloudandlong，andIfearedhiswitshadgivenwayunderthestrain；foreveninthebestofdayshehadbeenasparingandaquietlaugher。
　　“Now，Frank，“saidhe，whenhismirthwassomewhatappeased，“it”syourturn。Here”smyhand。Good-bye，farewell！“Then，seeingmestandrigidandindignant，andholdingClaratomyside”Man！“hebrokeout，“areyouangry？Didyouthinkweweregoingtodiewithalltheairsandgracesofsociety？Itookakiss；I”mgladIdidit；andnowyoucantakeanotherifyoulike，andsquareaccounts。”
　　IturnedfromhimwithafeelingofcontemptwhichIdidnotseektodissemble。
　　“Asyouplease，“saidhe。“You”vebeenapriginlife；aprigyou”lldie。”
　　Andwiththathesatdowninachair，arifleoverhisknee，andamusedhimselfwithsnappingthelock；butIcouldseethathisebullitionoflightspiritstheonlyoneIeverknewhimtodisplayhadalreadycometoanend，andwassucceededbyasullen，scowlinghumor。
　　Allthistimeourassailantsmighthavebeenenteringthehouse，andwebeennonethewiser；wehadintruthalmostforgottenthedangerthatsoimminentlyoverhungourdays。ButjustthenMr。
　　Huddlestoneutteredacry，andleapedfromthebed。
　　Iaskedhimwhatwaswrong。
　　“Fire！“hecried。“Theyhavesetthehouseonfire！“
　　Northmourwasonhisfeetinaninstant，andheandIranthroughthedoorofcommunicationwiththestudy。Theroomwasilluminatedbyaredandangrylight。Almostatthemomentofourentrance，atowerofflamearoseinfrontofthewindow，and，withatinglingreport，apanefellinwardonthecarpet。Theyhadsetfiretothelean-toouthouse，whereNorthmourusedtonursehisnegatives。
　　“Hotwork，“saidNorthmour。“Letustryinyouroldroom。”
　　Weranthitherinabreath，threwupthecasement，andlookedforth。Alongthewholebackwallofthepavilionpilesoffuelhadbeenarrangedandkindled；anditisprobabletheyhadbeendrenchedwithmineraloil，for，inspiteofthemorning”srain，theyallburnedbravely。Thefirehadtakenafirmholdalreadyontheouthouse，whichblazedhigherandhighereverymoment；thebackdoorwasinthecenterofared-hotbonfire；theeaveswecouldsee，aswelookedupward，werealreadysmoldering，fortheroofoverhung，andwassupportedbyconsiderablebeamsofwood。Atthesametime，hot，pungent，andchokingvolumesofsmokebegantofillthehouse。Therewasnotahumanbeingtobeseentorightorleft。
　　“Ah，well！“saidNorthmour，“here”stheend，thankGod！“
　　AndwereturnedtoMyUncle”sRoom。Mr。Huddlestonewasputtingonhisboots，stillviolentlytrembling，butwithanairofdeterminationsuchasIhadnothithertoobserved。Clarastoodclosebyhim，withhercloakinbothhandsreadytothrowabouthershoulders，andastrangelookinhereyes，asifshewerehalfhopeful，halfdoubtfulofherfather。
　　“Well，boysandgirls，“saidNorthmour，“howaboutasally？Theovenisheating；itisnotgoodtostayhereandbebaked；and，formypart，Iwanttocometomyhandswiththem，andbedone。”
　　“There”snothingelseleft，“Ireplied。
　　AndbothClaraandMr。Huddlestone，thoughwithaverydifferentintonation，added，“Nothing。”
　　Aswewentdownstairstheheatwasexcessive，andtheroaringofthefirefilledourears；andwehadscarcereachedthepassagebeforethestairswindowfellin，abranchofflameshotbrandishingthroughtheaperture，andtheinteriorofthepavilionbecamelightedupwiththatdreadfulandfluctuatingglare。Atthesamemomentweheardthefallofsomethingheavyandinelasticintheupperstory。Thewholepavilion，itwasplain，hadgonealightlikeaboxofmatches，andnownotonlyflamedskyhightolandandsea，butthreatenedwitheverymomenttocrumbleandfallinaboutourears。
　　NorthmourandIcockedourrevolvers。Mr。Huddlestone，whohadalreadyrefusedafirearm，putusbehindhimwithamannerofcommand。
　　“LetClaraopenthedoor，“saidhe。“So，iftheyfireavolley，shewillbeprotected。Andinthemeantimestandbehindme。Iamthescapegoat；mysinshavefoundmeout。”
　　Iheardhim，asIstoodbreathlessbyhisshoulder，withmypistolready，patteringoffprayersinatremulous，rapidwhisper；and，I
　　confess，horridasthethoughtmayseem，Idespisedhimforthinkingofsupplicationsinamomentsocriticalandthrilling。
　　Inthemeantime，Clara，whowasdeadwhitebutstillpossessedherfaculties，haddisplacedthebarricadefromthefrontdoor。
　　Anothermoment，andshehadpulleditopen。Firelightandmoonlightilluminatedthelinkswithconfusedandchangefulluster，andfarawayagainsttheskywecouldseealongtrailofglowingsmoke。
　　Mr。Huddlestone，filledforthemomentwithastrengthgreaterthanhisown，struckNorthmourandmyselfaback-handerinthechest；
　　andwhilewewerethusforthemomentincapacitatedfromaction，liftinghisarmsabovehisheadlikeoneabouttodive，heranstraightforwardoutofthepavilion。
　　“HereamI！“hecried”Huddlestone！Killme，andsparetheothers！“
　　Hissuddenappearancedaunted，Isuppose，ourhiddenenemies；forNorthmourandIhadtimetorecover，toseizeClarabetweenus，onebyeacharm，andtorushforthtohisassistance，ereanythingfurtherhadtakenplace。Butscarcehadwepassedthethresholdwhentherecamenearadozenreportsandflashesfromeverydirectionamongthehollowsofthelinks。Mr。Huddlestonestaggered，utteredaweirdandfreezingcry，threwuphisarmsoverhishead，andfellbackwardontheturf。
　　“Traditore！Traditore！“criedtheinvisibleavengers。
　　Andjustthenapartoftheroofofthepavilionfellin，sorapidwastheprogressofthefire。Aloud，vague，andhorriblenoiseaccompaniedthecollapse，andavastvolumeofflamewentsoaringuptoheaven。Itmusthavebeenvisibleatthatmomentfromtwentymilesoutatsea，fromtheshoreatGradenWester，andfarinlandfromthepeakofGraystiel，themosteasternsummitoftheCaulderHills。BernardHuddlestone，althoughGodknowswhatwerehisobsequies，hadafinepyreatthemomentofhisdeath。
　　IX
　　Ishouldhavethegreatestdifficultytotellyouwhatfollowednextafterthistragiccircumstance。Itisalltome，asIlookbackuponit，mixed，strenuous，andineffectual，likethestrugglesofasleeperinanightmare。Clara，Iremember，utteredabrokensighandwouldhavefallenforwardtoearth，hadnotNorthmourandIsupportedherinsensiblebody。Idonotthinkwewereattacked：
　　Idonotremembereventohaveseenanassailant；andIbelievewedesertedMr。Huddlestonewithoutaglance。Ionlyrememberrunninglikeamaninapanic，nowcarryingClaraaltogetherinmyownarms，nowsharingherweightwithNorthmour，nowscufflingconfusedlyforthepossessionofthatdearburden。WhyweshouldhavemadeformycampintheHemlockDen，orhowwereachedit，arepointslostforevertomyrecollection。ThefirstmomentatwhichIbecamedefinitelysure，Clarahadbeensufferedtofallagainsttheoutsideofmylittletent，NorthmourandIweretumblingtogetherontheground，andhe，withcontainedferocity，wasstrikingformyheadwiththebuttofhisrevolver。Hehadalreadytwicewoundedmeonthescalp；anditistotheconsequentlossofbloodthatIamtemptedtoattributethesuddenclearnessofmymind。
　　Icaughthimbythewrist。
　　“Northmour，“Iremembersaying，“youcankillmeafterwards。LetusfirstattendtoClara。”
　　Hewasatthatmomentuppermost。Scarcelyhadthewordspassedmylips，whenhehadleapedtohisfeetandrantowardthetent；andthenextmoment，hewasstrainingClaratohisheartandcoveringherunconscioushandsandfacewithhiscaresses。
　　“Shame！“Icried。“Shametoyou，Northmour！“
　　And，giddythoughIstillwas，Istruckhimrepeatedlyupontheheadandshoulders。
　　Herelinquishedhisgrasp，andfacedmeinthebrokenmoonlight。
　　“Ihadyouunder，andIletyougo，“saidhe；“andnowyoustrikeme！Coward！“
　　“Youarethecoward，“Iretorted。“Didshewishyourkisseswhileshewasstillsensibleofwhatyouwanted？Notshe！Andnowshemaybedying；andyouwastethisprecioustime，andabuseherhelplessness。Standaside，andletmehelpher。”
　　Heconfrontedmeforamoment，whiteandmenacing；thensuddenlyhesteppedaside。
　　“Helpherthen，“saidhe。
　　Ithrewmyselfonmykneesbesideher，andloosened，aswellasI
　　wasable，herdressandcorset；butwhileIwasthusengaged，agraspdescendedonmyshoulder。
　　“Keepyourhandsoffher，“saidNorthmour，fiercely。“DoyouthinkIhavenobloodinmyveins？“
　　“Northmour，“Icried，“ifyouwillneitherhelpheryourself，norletmedoso，doyouknowthatIshallhavetokillyou？“
　　“Thatisbetter！“hecried。“Letherdiealso，where”stheharm？
　　Stepasidefromthatgirl！andstanduptofight。”
　　“Youwillobserve，“saidI，halfrising，“thatIhavenotkissedheryet。”
　　“Idareyouto，“hecried。
　　Idonotknowwhatpossessedme；itwasoneofthethingsIammostashamedofinmylife，though，asmywifeusedtosay，Iknewthatmykisseswouldbealwayswelcomewereshedeadorliving；downI
　　fellagainuponmyknees，partedthehairfromherforehead，and，withthedearestrespect，laidmylipsforamomentonthatcoldbrow。Itwassuchacaressasafathermighthavegiven；itwassuchaoneaswasnotunbecomingfromamansoontodietoawomanalreadydead。
　　“Andnow，“saidI，“Iamatyourservice，Mr。Northmour。”
　　ButIsaw，tomysurprise，thathehadturnedhisbackuponme。
　　“Doyouhear？“Iasked。
　　“Yes，“saidhe，“Ido。Ifyouwishtofight，Iamready。Ifnot，goonandsaveClara。Allisonetome。”
　　Ididnotwaittobetwicebidden；but，stoopingagainoverClara，continuedmyeffortstoreviveher。Shestilllaywhiteandlifeless；Ibegantofearthathersweetspirithadindeedfledbeyondrecall，andhorrorandasenseofutterdesolationseizeduponmyheart。Icalledherbynamewiththemostendearinginflections；Ichafedandbeatherhands；nowIlaidherheadlow，nowsupporteditagainstmyknee；butallseemedtobeinvain，andthelidsstilllayheavyonhereyes。
　　“Northmour，“Isaid，“thereismyhat。ForGod”ssakebringsomewaterfromthespring。”
　　Almostinamomenthewasbymysidewiththewater。
　　“Ihavebroughtitinmyown，“hesaid。“Youdonotgrudgemetheprivilege？“
　　“Northmour，“Iwasbeginningtosay，asIlavedherheadandbreast；butheinterruptedmesavagely。
　　“Oh，youhushup！“hesaid。“Thebestthingyoucandoistosaynothing。”
　　Ihadcertainlynodesiretotalk，mymindbeingswallowedupinconcernformydearloveandhercondition；soIcontinuedinsilencetodomybesttowardherrecovery，and，whenthehatwasempty，returnedittohim，withoneword”More。”Hehad，perhaps，goneseveraltimesuponthiserrand，whenClarareopenedhereyes。
　　“Now，“saidhe，“sincesheisbetter，youcanspareme，canyounot？Iwishyouagoodnight，Mr。Cassilis。”
　　Andwiththathewasgoneamongthethicket。Imadeafire，forI
　　hadnownofearoftheItalians，whohadevensparedallthelittlepossessionsleftinmyencampment；and，brokenasshewasbytheexcitementandthehideouscatastropheoftheevening，Imanaged，inonewayoranother——bypersuasion，encouragement，warmth，andsuchsimpleremediesasIcouldlaymyhandon——tobringherbacktosomecomposureofmindandstrengthofbody。
　　Dayhadalreadycome，whenasharp“Hist！“soundedfromthethicket。Istartedfromtheground；butthevoiceofNorthmourwasheardadding，inthemosttranquiltones：“Comehere，Cassilis，andalone；Iwanttoshowyousomething。”
　　IconsultedClarawithmyeyes，and，receivinghertacitpermission，leftheralone，andclamberedoutoftheden。AtsomedistanceoffIsawNorthmourleaningagainstanelder；and，assoonasheperceivedme，hebeganwalkingseaward。Ihadalmostovertakenhimashereachedtheoutskirtsofthewood。
　　“Look，“saidhe，pausing。
　　Acoupleofstepsmorebroughtmeoutofthefoliage。Thelightofthemorninglaycoldandclearoverthatwell-knownscene。Thepavilionwasbutablackenedwreck；theroofhadfallenin，oneofthegableshadfallenout；and，farandnear，thefaceofthelinkswascicatrizedwithlittlepatchesofburnedfurze。Thicksmokestillwentstraightupwardinthewindlessairofthemorning，andagreatpileofardentcindersfilledthebarewallsofthehouse，likecoalsinanopengrate。Closebytheisletaschooneryachtlayto，andawell-mannedboatwaspullingvigorouslyfortheshore。
　　“The”RedEarl”！“Icried。“The”RedEarl”twelvehourstoolate！“
　　“Feelinyourpocket，Frank。Areyouarmed？“askedNorthmour。
　　Iobeyedhim，andIthinkImusthavebecomedeadlypale。Myrevolverhadbeentakenfromme。
　　“Yousee，Ihaveyouinmypower，“hecontinued。“IdisarmedyoulastnightwhileyouwerenursingClara；butthismorning——here——
　　takeyourpistol。Nothanks！“hecried，holdinguphishand。“I
　　donotlikethem；thatistheonlywayyoucanannoymenow。”
　　Hebegantowalkforwardacrossthelinkstomeettheboat，andI
　　followedasteportwobehind。InfrontofthepavilionIpausedtoseewhereMr。Huddlestonehadfallen；buttherewasnosignofhim，norsomuchasatraceofblood。
　　“GradenFloe，“saidNorthmour。
　　Hecontinuedtoadvancetillwehadcometotheheadofthebeach。
　　“Nofarther，please，“saidhe。“WouldyouliketotakehertoGradenHouse？“
　　“Thankyou，“repliedI；“IshalltrytogethertotheministeratGradenWester。”
　　Theprowoftheboatheregratedonthebeach，andasailorjumpedashorewithalineinhishand。
　　“Waitaminute，lads！“criedNorthmour；andthenlowerandtomyprivateear，“Youhadbettersaynothingofallthistoher，“headded。
　　“Onthecontrary！“Ibrokeout，“sheshallknoweverythingthatI
　　cantell。”
　　“Youdonotunderstand，“hereturned，withanairofgreatdignity。
　　“Itwillbenothingtoher；sheexpectsitofme。Good-by！“headded，withanod。
　　Iofferedhimmyhand。
　　“Excuseme，“saidhe。“It”ssmall，Iknow；butIcan”tpushthingsquitesofarasthat。Idon”twishanysentimentalbusiness，tositbyyourhearthawhite-hairedwanderer，andallthat。Quitethecontrary：IhopetoGodIshallneveragainclapeyesoneitheroneofyou。”
　　“Well，Godblessyou，Northmour！“Isaidheartily。
　　“Oh，yes，“hereturned。
　　Hewalkeddownthebeach；andthemanwhowasashoregavehimanarmonboard，andthenshovedoffandleapedintothebowshimself。
　　Northmourtookthetiller；theboatrosetothewaves，andtheoarsbetweenthetholepinssoundedcrispandmeasuredinthemorningair。
　　Theywerenotyethalfwaytothe“RedEarl，“andIwasstillwatchingtheirprogress，whenthesunroseoutofthesea。
　　Onewordmore，andmystoryisdone。Yearsafter，NorthmourwaskilledfightingunderthecolorsofGaribaldifortheliberationoftheTyrol。
　　WilkieCollinsTheDreamWomanAMysteryinFourNarrativesTHEFIRSTNARRATIVE
　　INTRODUCTORYSTATEMENTOFTHEFACTSBYPERCYFAIRBANK
　　I
　　“Hullo，there！Hostler！Hullo-o-o！“
　　“Mydear！whydon”tyoulookforthebell？“
　　“IHAVElooked——thereisnobell。”
　　“Andnobodyintheyard。Howveryextraordinary！Callagain，dear。”
　　“Hostler！Hullo，there！Hostler-r-r！“
　　Mysecondcallechoesthroughemptyspace，androusesnobody——
　　produces，inshort，novisibleresult。Iamattheendofmyresources——Idon”tknowwhattosayorwhattodonext。HereI
　　standinthesolitaryinnyardofastrangetown，withtwohorsestohold，andaladytotakecareof。Bywayofaddingtomyresponsibilities，itsohappensthatoneofthehorsesisdeadlame，andthattheladyismywife。
　　WhoamI？——youwillask。
　　Thereisplentyoftimetoanswerthequestion。Nothinghappens；
　　andnobodyappearstoreceiveus。Letmeintroducemyselfandmywife。
　　IamPercyFairbank——Englishgentleman——ageletussayforty——noprofession——moderatepolitics——middleheight——faircomplexion——easycharacter——plentyofmoney。
　　MywifeisaFrenchlady。ShewasMademoiselleClotildeDelorge——
　　whenIwasfirstpresentedtoheratherfather”shouseinFrance。
　　Ifellinlovewithher——Ireallydon”tknowwhy。ItmighthavebeenbecauseIwasperfectlyidle，andhadnothingelsetodoatthetime。OritmighthavebeenbecauseallmyfriendssaidshewastheverylastwomanwhomIoughttothinkofmarrying。Onthesurface，Imustown，thereisnothingincommonbetweenMrs。
　　Fairbankandme。Sheistall；sheisdark；sheisnervous，excitable，romantic；inallheropinionssheproceedstoextremes。
　　Whatcouldsuchawomanseeinme？whatcouldIseeinher？Iknownomorethanyoudo。Insomemysteriousmannerweexactlysuiteachother。Wehavebeenmanandwifefortenyears，andouronlyregretis，thatwehavenochildren。Idon”tknowwhatYOUmaythink；Icallthat——uponthewhole——ahappymarriage。
　　Somuchforourselves。Thenextquestionis——whathasbroughtusintotheinnyard？andwhyamIobligedtoturngroom，andholdthehorses？
　　WeliveforthemostpartinFrance——atthecountryhouseinwhichmywifeandIfirstmet。Occasionally，bywayofvariety，wepayvisitstomyfriendsinEngland。Wearepayingoneofthosevisitsnow。Ourhostisanoldcollegefriendofmine，possessedofafineestateinSomersetshire；andwehavearrivedathishouse——
　　calledFarleighHall——towardthecloseofthehuntingseason。
　　OnthedayofwhichIamnowwriting——destinedtobeamemorabledayinourcalendar——thehoundsmeetatFarleighHall。Mrs。
　　FairbankandIaremountedontwoofthebesthorsesinmyfriend”sstables。Wearequiteunworthyofthatdistinction；forweknownothingandcarenothingabouthunting。Ontheotherhand，wedelightinriding，andweenjoythebreezySpringmorningandthefairandfertileEnglishlandscapesurroundingusoneveryside。
　　Whilethehuntprospers，wefollowthehunt。Butwhenacheckoccurs——whentimepassesandpatienceissorelytried；whenthebewildereddogsrunhitherandthither，andstronglanguagefallsfromthelipsofexasperatedsportsmen——wefailtotakeanyfurtherinterestintheproceedings。Weturnourhorses”headsinthedirectionofagrassylane，delightfullyshadedbytrees。Wetrotmerrilyalongthelane，andfindourselvesonanopencommon。Wegallopacrossthecommon，andfollowthewindingsofasecondlane。
　　Wecrossabrook，wepassthroughavillage，weemergeintopastoralsolitudeamongthehills。Thehorsestosstheirheads，andneightoeachother，andenjoyitasmuchaswedo。Thehuntisforgotten。Weareashappyasacoupleofchildren；weareactuallysingingaFrenchsong——wheninonemomentourmerrimentcomestoanend。Mywife”shorsesetsoneofhisforefeetonaloosestone，andstumbles。Hisrider”sreadyhandsaveshimfromfalling。But，atthefirstattempthemakestogoon，thesadtruthshowsitself——atendonisstrained；thehorseislame。
　　Whatistobedone？Wearestrangersinalonelypartofthecountry。Lookwherewemay，weseenosignsofahumanhabitation。
　　Thereisnothingforitbuttotakethebridleroadupthehill，andtrywhatwecandiscoverontheotherside。Itransferthesaddles，andmountmywifeonmyownhorse。Heisnotusedtocarryalady；hemissesthefamiliarpressureofaman”slegsoneithersideofhim；hefidgets，andstarts，andkicksupthedust。
　　Ifollowonfoot，atarespectfuldistancefromhisheels，leadingthelamehorse。Isthereamoremiserableobjectonthefaceofcreationthanalamehorse？Ihaveseenlamemenandlamedogswhowerecheerfulcreatures；butIneveryetsawalamehorsewhodidn”tlookheartbrokenoverhisownmisfortune。
　　Forhalfanhourmywifecapersandcurvetssidewaysalongthebridleroad。Itrudgeonbehindher；andtheheartbrokenhorsehaltsbehindme。Hardbythetopofthehill，ourmelancholyprocessionpassesaSomersetshirepeasantatworkinafield。I
　　summonthemantoapproachus；andthemanlooksatmestolidly，fromthemiddleofthefield，withoutstirringastep。IaskatthetopofmyvoicehowfaritistoFarleighHall。TheSomersetshirepeasantanswersatthetopofHISvoice：
　　“Vourteenmile。Gi”oiadrapo”zyder。”
　　Itranslateformywife”sbenefitfromtheSomersetshirelanguageintotheEnglishlanguage。WearefourteenmilesfromFarleighHall；andourfriendinthefielddesirestoberewarded，forgivingusthatinformation，withadropofcider。Thereisthepeasant，paintedbyhimself！Quiteabitofcharacter，mydear！
　　Quiteabitofcharacter！
　　Mrs。Fairbankdoesn”tviewthestudyofagriculturalhumannaturewithmyrelish。Herfidgetyhorsewillnotallowheramoment”srepose；sheisbeginningtolosehertemper。
　　“Wecan”tgofourteenmilesinthisway，“shesays。“Whereisthenearestinn？Askthatbruteinthefield！“
　　Itakeashillingfrommypocketandholditupinthesun。Theshillingexercisesmagneticvirtues。Theshillingdrawsthepeasantslowlytowardmefromthemiddleofthefield。IinformhimthatwewanttoputupthehorsesandtohireacarriagetotakeusbacktoFarleighHall。Wherecanwedothat？Thepeasantanswerswithhiseyeontheshilling：
　　“AtOonderbridge，tobezure。”AtUnderbridge，tobesure。
　　“IsitfartoUnderbridge？“
　　Thepeasantrepeats，“VartoOonderbridge？“——andlaughsatthequestion。“Hoo-hoo-hoo！“Underbridgeisevidentlycloseby——ifwecouldonlyfindit。“Willyoushowustheway，myman？““Willyougi”oiadrapofzyder？“Icourteouslybendmyhead，andpointtotheshilling。Theagriculturalintelligenceexertsitself。Thepeasantjoinsourmelancholyprocession。Mywifeisafinewoman，butheneveroncelooksatmywife——and，moreextraordinarystill，heneverevenlooksatthehorses。Hiseyesarewithhismind——andhismindisontheshilling。
　　Wereachthetopofthehill——and，beholdontheotherside，nestlinginavalley，theshrineofourpilgrimage，thetownofUnderbridge！Hereourguideclaimshisshilling，andleavesustofindouttheinnforourselves。Iamconstitutionallyapoliteman。Isay“Goodmorning“atparting。Theguidelooksatmewiththeshillingbetweenhisteethtomakesurethatitisagoodone。
　　“Marnin！“hesayssavagely——andturnshisbackonus，asifwehadoffendedhim。Acuriousproduct，this，ofthegrowthofcivilization。IfIdidn”tseeachurchspireatUnderbridge，I
　　mightsupposethatwehadlostourselvesonasavageisland。
　　II
　　Arrivingatthetown，wehadnodifficultyinfindingtheinn。Thetowniscomposedofonedesolatestreet；andmidwayinthatstreetstandstheinn——anancientstonebuildingsadlyoutofrepair。Thepaintingonthesign-boardisobliterated。Theshuttersoverthelongrangeoffrontwindowsareallclosed。Acockandhishensaretheonlylivingcreaturesatthedoor。Plainly，thisisoneoftheoldinnsofthestage-coachperiod，ruinedbytherailway。Wepassthroughtheopenarcheddoorway，andfindnoonetowelcomeus。Weadvanceintothestableyardbehind；Iassistmywifetodismount——andthereweareinthepositionalreadydisclosedtoviewattheopeningofthisnarrative。Nobelltoring。NohumancreaturetoanswerwhenIcall。Istandhelpless，withthebridlesofthehorsesinmyhand。Mrs。Fairbanksauntersgracefullydownthelengthoftheyardanddoes——whatallwomendo，whentheyfindthemselvesinastrangeplace。Sheopenseverydoorasshepassesit，andpeepsin。Onmyside，Ihavejustrecoveredmybreath，I
　　amonthepointofshoutingforthehostlerforthethirdandlasttime，whenIhearMrs。Fairbanksuddenlycalltome：
　　“Percy！comehere！“
　　Hervoiceiseagerandagitated。Shehasopenedalastdoorattheendoftheyard，andhasstartedbackfromsomesightwhichhassuddenlymetherview。Ihitchthehorses”bridlesonarustynailinthewallnearme，andjoinmywife。Shehasturnedpale，andcatchesmenervouslybythearm。
　　“Goodheavens！“shecries；“lookatthat！“
　　Ilook——andwhatdoIsee？Iseeadingylittlestable，containingtwostalls。Inonestallahorseismunchinghiscorn。Intheotheramanislyingasleeponthelitter。
　　Aworn，withered，woebegonemaninahostler”sdress。Hishollowwrinkledcheeks，hisscantygrizzledhair，hisdryyellowskin，telltheirowntaleofpastsorroworsuffering。Thereisanominousfrownonhiseyebrows——thereisapainfulnervouscontractiononthesideofhismouth。IhearhimbreathingconvulsivelywhenIfirstlookin；heshuddersandsighsinhissleep。Itisnotapleasantsighttosee，andIturnroundinstinctivelytothebrightsunlightintheyard。Mywifeturnsmebackagaininthedirectionofthestabledoor。
　　“Wait！“shesays。“Wait！hemaydoitagain。”
　　“Dowhatagain？“
　　“Hewastalkinginhissleep，Percy，whenIfirstlookedin。Hewasdreamingsomedreadfuldream。Hush！he”sbeginningagain。”
　　Ilookandlisten。Themanstirsonhismiserablebed。Themanspeaksinaquick，fiercewhisperthroughhisclinchedteeth。
　　“Wakeup！Wakeup，there！Murder！“
　　Thereisanintervalofsilence。Hemovesoneleanarmslowlyuntilitrestsoverhisthroat；heshudders，andturnsonhisstraw；heraiseshisarmfromhisthroat，andfeeblystretchesitout；hishandclutchesatthestrawonthesidetowardwhichhehasturned；heseemstofancythatheisgraspingattheedgeofsomething。Iseehislipsbegintomoveagain；Istepsoftlyintothestable；mywifefollowsme，withherhandfastclaspedinmine。
　　Webothbendoverhim。Heistalkingoncemoreinhissleep——
　　strangetalk，madtalk，thistime。
　　“Lightgrayeyes“wehearhimsay，“andadroopinthelefteyelid——flaxenhair，withagold-yellowstreakinit——allright，mother！fair，whitearmswithadownonthem——little，lady”shand，withareddishlookroundthefingernails——theknife——thecursedknife——firstononeside，thenontheother——aha，youshe-devil！
　　whereistheknife？“
　　Hestopsandgrowsrestlessonasudden。Weseehimwrithingonthestraw。Hethrowsupbothhishandsandgaspshystericallyforbreath。Hiseyesopensuddenly。Foramomenttheylookatnothing，withavacantglitterinthem——thentheycloseagainindeepersleep。Ishedreamingstill？Yes；butthedreamseemstohavetakenanewcourse。Whenhespeaksnext，thetoneisaltered；
　　thewordsarefew——sadlyandimploringlyrepeatedoverandoveragain。“Sayyouloveme！IamsofondofYOU。Sayyouloveme！
　　sayyouloveme！“Hesinksintodeeperanddeepersleep，faintlyrepeatingthosewords。Theydieawayonhislips。Hespeaksnomore。
　　BythistimeMrs。Fairbankhasgotoverherterror；sheisdevouredbycuriositynow。Themiserablecreatureonthestrawhasappealedtotheimaginativesideofhercharacter。Herillimitableappetiteforromancehungersandthirstsformore。Sheshakesmeimpatientlybythearm。
　　“Doyouhear？Thereisawomanatthebottomofit，Percy！Thereisloveandmurderinit，Percy！Wherearethepeopleoftheinn？
　　Gointotheyard，andcalltothemagain。”
　　Mywifebelongs，onhermother”sside，totheSouthofFrance。TheSouthofFrancebreedsfinewomenwithhottempers。Isaynomore。
　　Marriedmenwillunderstandmyposition。Singlemenmayneedtobetoldthatthereareoccasionswhenwemustnotonlyloveandhonor——
　　wemustalsoobey——ourwives。
　　IturntothedoortoobeyMYwife，andfindmyselfconfrontedbyastrangerwhohasstolenonusunawares。Thestrangerisatiny，sleepy，rosyoldman，withavacantpudding-face，andashiningbaldhead。Hewearsdrabbreechesandgaiters，andarespectablesquare-tailedancientblackcoat。Ifeelinstinctivelythathereisthelandlordoftheinn。
　　“Goodmorning，sir，“saystherosyoldman。“I”malittlehardofhearing。Wasityouthatwasa-callingjustnowintheyard？“
　　BeforeIcananswer，mywifeinterposes。Sheinsistsinashrillvoice，adaptedtoourhost”shardnessofhearingonknowingwhothatunfortunatepersonissleepingonthestraw。“Wheredoeshecomefrom？Whydoeshesaysuchdreadfulthingsinhissleep？Ishemarriedorsingle？Didheeverfallinlovewithamurderess？
　　Whatsortofalookingwomanwasshe？Didshereallystabhimornot？Inshort，dearMr。Landlord，tellusthewholestory！“
　　DearMr。LandlordwaitsdrowsilyuntilMrs。Fairbankhasquitedone——thendelivershimselfofhisreplyasfollows：
　　“Hisname”sFrancisRaven。He”sanIndependentMethodist。Hewasforty-fiveyearoldlastbirthday。Andhe”smyhostler。That”shisstory。”
　　Mywife”shotsoutherntemperfindsitswaytoherfoot，andexpressesitselfbyastamponthestableyard。
　　Thelandlordturnshimselfsleepilyround，andlooksatthehorses。
　　“Afinepairofhorses，themtwointheyard。Doyouwanttoput”eminmystables？“Ireplyintheaffirmativebyanod。Thelandlord，bentonmakinghimselfagreeabletomywife，addressesheroncemore。“I”ma-goingtowakeFrancisRaven。He”sanIndependentMethodist。Hewasforty-fiveyearoldlastbirthday。
　　Andhe”smyhostler。That”shisstory。”
　　Havingissuedthissecondeditionofhisinterestingnarrative，thelandlordentersthestable。WefollowhimtoseehowhewillwakeFrancisRaven，andwhatwillhappenuponthat。Thestablebroomstandsinacorner；thelandlordtakesit——advancestowardthesleepinghostler——andcoollystirsthemanupwithabroomasifhewasawildbeastinacage。FrancisRavenstartstohisfeetwithacryofterror——looksatuswildly，withahorridglareofsuspicioninhiseyes——recovershimselfthenextmoment——andsuddenlychangesintoadecent，quiet，respectableserving-man。
　　“Ibegyourpardon，ma”am。Ibegyourpardon，sir。”
　　Thetoneandmannerinwhichhemakeshisapologiesarebothabovehisapparentstationinlife。IbegintocatchtheinfectionofMrs。Fairbank”sinterestinthisman。Webothfollowhimoutintotheyardtoseewhathewilldowiththehorses。Themannerinwhichheliftstheinjuredlegofthelamehorsetellsmeatoncethatheunderstandshisbusiness。Quicklyandquietly，heleadstheanimalintoanemptystable；quicklyandquietly，hegetsabucketofhotwater，andputsthelamehorse”slegintoit。“Thewarmwaterwillreducetheswelling，sir。Iwillbandagethelegafterwards。”Allthathedoesisdoneintelligently；allthathesays，hesaystothepurpose。
　　Nothingwild，nothingstrangeabouthimnow。Isthisthesamemanwhomweheardtalkinginhissleep？——thesamemanwhowokewiththatcryofterrorandthathorridsuspicioninhiseyes？I
　　determinetotryhimwithoneortwoquestions。
　　III
　　“Notmuchtodohere，“Isaytothehostler。
　　“Verylittletodo，sir，“thehostlerreplies。
　　“Anybodystayinginthehouse？“
　　“Thehouseisquiteempty，sir。”
　　“Ithoughtyouwerealldead。Icouldmakenobodyhearme。”
　　“Thelandlordisverydeaf，sir，andthewaiterisoutonanerrand。”
　　“Yes；andYOUwerefastasleepinthestable。Doyouoftentakeanapinthedaytime？“
　　Thewornfaceofthehostlerfaintlyflushes。Hiseyeslookawayfrommyeyesforthefirsttime。Mrs。Fairbankfurtivelypinchesmyarm。Areweontheeveofadiscoveryatlast？Irepeatmyquestion。Themanhasnocivilalternativebuttogivemeananswer。Theanswerisgiveninthesewords：
　　“Iwastiredout，sir。Youwouldn”thavefoundmeasleepinthedaytimebutforthat。”
　　“Tiredout，eh？Youhadbeenhardatwork，Isuppose？“
　　“No，sir。”
　　“Whatwasit，then？“
　　Hehesitatesagain，andanswersunwillingly，“Iwasupallnight。”
　　“Upallnight？Anythinggoingoninthetown？“
　　“Nothinggoingon，sir。”
　　“Anybodyill？“
　　“Nobodyill，sir。”
　　Thatreplyisthelast。TryasImay，Icanextractnothingmorefromhim。Heturnsawayandbusieshimselfinattendingtothehorse”sleg。IleavethestabletospeaktothelandlordaboutthecarriagewhichistotakeusbacktoFarleighHall。Mrs。Fairbankremainswiththehostler，andfavorsmewithalookatparting。
　　Thelooksaysplainly，“Imeantofindoutwhyhewasupallnight。
　　LeavehimtoMe。”
　　Theorderingofthecarriageiseasilyaccomplished。Theinnpossessesonehorseandonechaise。Thelandlordhasastorytotellofthehorse，andastorytotellofthechaise。TheyresemblethestoryofFrancisRaven——withthisexception，thatthehorseandchaisebelongtonoreligiouspersuasion。“Thehorsewillbenineyearoldnextbirthday。I”vehadtheshayforfour-
　　and-twentyyear。Mr。Max，ofUnderbridge，hebredthehorse；andMr。Pooley，ofYeovil，hebuilttheshay。It”smyhorseandmyshay。Andthat”sTHEIRstory！“Havingrelievedhismindofthesedetails，thelandlordproceedstoputtheharnessonthehorse。Bywayofassistinghim，Idragthechaiseintotheyard。Justasourpreparationsarecompleted，Mrs。Fairbankappears。Amomentortwolaterthehostlerfollowsherout。Hehasbandagedthehorse”sleg，andisnowreadytodriveustoFarleighHall。Iobservesignsofagitationinhisfaceandmanner，whichsuggestthatmywifehasfoundherwayintohisconfidence。Iputthequestiontoherprivatelyinacorneroftheyard。“Well？HaveyoufoundoutwhyFrancisRavenwasupallnight？“
　　Mrs。Fairbankhasaneyetodramaticeffect。Insteadofansweringplainly，YesorNo，shesuspendstheinterestandexcitestheaudiencebyputtingaquestiononherside。
　　“Whatisthedayofthemonth，dear？“
　　“ThedayofthemonthisthefirstofMarch。”
　　“ThefirstofMarch，Percy，isFrancisRaven”sbirthday。”
　　ItrytolookasifIwasinterested——anddon”tsucceed。
　　“Franciswasborn，“Mrs。Fairbankproceedsgravely，“attwoo”clockinthemorning。”
　　Ibegintowonderwhethermywife”sintellectisgoingthewayofthelandlord”sintellect。“Isthatall？“Iask。
　　“ItisNOTall，“Mrs。Fairbankanswers。“FrancisRavensitsuponthemorningofhisbirthdaybecauseheisafraidtogotobed。”
　　“Andwhyisheafraidtogotobed？“
　　“Becauseheisinperilofhislife。”
　　“Onhisbirthday？“
　　“Onhisbirthday。Attwoo”clockinthemorning。Asregularlyasthebirthdaycomesround。”
　　Thereshestops。Hasshediscoverednomorethanthat？Nomorethusfar。Ibegintofeelreallyinterestedbythistime。Iaskeagerlywhatitmeans？Mrs。Fairbankpointsmysteriouslytothechaise——withFrancisRavenhithertoourhostler，nowourcoachman
　　waitingforustogetin。Thechaisehasaseatfortwoinfront，andaseatforonebehind。Mywifecastsawarninglookatme，andplacesherselfontheseatinfront。
　　ThenecessaryconsequenceofthisarrangementisthatMrs。Fairhanksitsbythesideofthedriverduringajourneyoftwohoursandmore。NeedIstatetheresult？Itwouldbeaninsulttoyourintelligencetostatetheresult。Letmeofferyoumyplaceinthechaise。AndletFrancisRaventellhisterriblestoryinhisownwords。
　　THESECONDNARRATIVE
　　THEHOSTLER”SSTORY——TOLDBYHIMSELF
　　IV
　　ItisnowtenyearsagosinceIgotmyfirstwarningofthegreattroubleofmylifeintheVisionofaDream。
　　IshallbebetterabletotellyouaboutitifyouwillpleasesupposeyourselvestobedrinkingteaalongwithusinourlittlecottageinCambridgeshire，tenyearssince。
　　Thetimewasthecloseofday，andtherewerethreeofusatthetable，namely，mymother，myself，andmymother”ssister，Mrs。
　　Chance。ThesetwowereScotchwomenbybirth，andbothwerewidows。
　　TherewasnootherresemblancebetweenthemthatIcancalltomind。MymotherhadlivedallherlifeinEngland，andhadnomoreoftheScotchbrogueonhertonguethanIhave。MyauntChancehadneverbeenoutofScotlanduntilshecametokeephousewithmymotherafterherhusband”sdeath。AndwhenSHEopenedherlipsyouheardbroadScotch，Icantellyou，ifyoueverheardityet！
　　Asitfellout，therewasamatterofsomeconsequenceindebateamongusthatevening。Itwasthis：whetherIshoulddowellornottotakealongjourneyonfootthenextmorning。
　　Nowthenextmorninghappenedtobethedaybeforemybirthday；andthepurposeofthejourneywastooffermyselfforasituationasgroomatagreathouseintheneighboringcountytoours。Theplacewasreportedaslikelytofallvacantinaboutthreeweeks”
　　time。Iwasaswellfittedtofillitasanyotherman。Intheprosperousdaysofourfamily，myfatherhadbeenmanagerofatrainingstable，andhehadkeptmeemployedamongthehorsesfrommyboyhoodupward。Pleasetoexcusemytroublingyouwiththesesmallmatters。Theyallfitintomystoryfartheron，asyouwillsoonfindout。Mypoormotherwasdeadagainstmyleavinghomeonthemorrow。
　　“Youcanneverwalkallthewaythereandallthewaybackagainbyto-morrownight，“shesays。“Theendofitwillbethatyouwillsleepawayfromhomeonyourbirthday。Youhaveneverdonethatyet，Francis，sinceyourfather”sdeath，Idon”tlikeyourdoingitnow。Waitadaylonger，myson——onlyoneday。”
　　Formyownpart，Iwaswearyofbeingidle，andIcouldn”tabidethenotionofdelay。Evenonedaymightmakeallthedifference。
　　Someothermanmighttaketimebytheforelock，andgettheplace。
　　“ConsiderhowlongIhavebeenoutofwork，“Isays，“anddon”taskmetoputoffthejourney。Iwon”tfailyou，mother。I”llgetbackbyto-morrownight，ifIhavetopaymylastsixpenceforaliftinacart。”
　　Mymothershookherhead。“Idon”tlikeit，Francis——Idon”tlikeit！“Therewasnomovingherfromthatview。Wearguedandargued，untilwewerebothatadeadlock。Itendedinouragreeingtoreferthedifferencebetweenustomymother”ssister，Mrs。
　　Chance。
　　Whileweweretryinghardtoconvinceeachother，myauntChancesatasdumbasafish，stirringherteaandthinkingherownthoughts。Whenwemadeourappealtoher，sheseemedasitweretowakeup。“Yebaithreferittomypuirjudgment？“shesays，inherbroadScotch。WebothansweredYes。UponthatmyauntChancefirstclearedthetea-table，andthenpulledoutfromthepocketofhergownapackofcards。
　　Don”trunaway，ifyouplease，withthenotionthatthiswasdonelightly，withaviewtoamusemymotherandme。MyauntChanceseriouslybelievedthatshecouldlookintothefuturebytellingfortunesonthecards。Shedidnothingherselfwithoutfirstconsultingthecards。Shecouldgivenomoreseriousproofofherinterestinmywelfarethantheproofwhichshewasofferingnow。
　　Idon”tsayitprofanely；Ionlymentionthefact——thecardshad，insomeincomprehensibleway，gotthemselvesjumbleduptogetherwithherreligiousconvictions。Youmeetwithpeoplenowadayswhobelieveinspiritsworkingbywayoftablesandchairs。OnthesameprincipleifthereISanyprincipleinitmyauntChancebelievedinProvidenceworkingbywayofthecards。
　　“WhetherYOUareright，Francie，oryourmither——whetheryewilldoweelorill，themorrow，togoorstay——thecairdswilltellit。
　　Wearea”inthehandsofProavidence。Thecairdswilltellit。”
　　Hearingthis，mymotherturnedherheadaside，withsomethingofasourlookinherface。Hersister”snotionsaboutthecardswerelittlebetterthanflatblasphemytohermind。Butshekeptheropiniontoherself。MyauntChance，toownthetruth，hadinherited，throughherlatehusband，apensionofthirtypoundsayear。Thiswasanimportantcontributiontoourhousekeeping，andwepoorrelationswereboundtotreatherwithacertainrespect。
　　Asformyself，ifmypoorfatherneverdidanythingelseformebeforehefellintodifficulties，hegavemeagoodeducation，andraisedmethankGodabovesuperstitionsofallsorts。However，averylittleamusedmeinthosedays；andIwaitedtohavemyfortunetold，aspatientlyasifIbelievedinittoo！
　　Myauntbeganherhocuspocusbythrowingoutallthecardsinthepackunderseven。Sheshuffledtherestwithherlefthandforluck；andthenshegavethemtometocut。“Wi”yerlefthand，Francie。Mindthat！PetyourtrustinProavidence——butdinnaforgetthatyourluck”sinyerlefthand！“Alongandroundaboutshiftingofthecardsfollowed，reducingtheminnumberuntiltherewerejustfifteenofthemleft，laidoutneatlybeforemyauntinahalfcircle。Thecardwhichhappenedtolieoutermost，attheright-handendofthecircle，was，accordingtoruleinsuchcases，thecardchosentorepresentMe。Bywayofbeingappropriatetomysituationasapoorgroomoutofemployment，thecardwas——theKingofDiamonds。
　　“Itak”uptheKingo”Diamants，“saysmyaunt。“Icountsevencairdsfra”richttoleft；andIhumblyaskablessingonwhatfollows。”Myauntshuthereyesasifshewassayinggracebeforemeat，andhelduptometheseventhcard。Icalledtheseventhcard——theQueenofSpades。Myauntopenedhereyesagaininahurry，andcastaslylookmyway。“TheQueeno”Spadesmeansadairkwoman。Ye”llbethinkinginsecret，Francie，ofadairkwoman？“
　　Whenamanhasbeenoutofworkformorethanthreemonths，hismindisn”ttroubledmuchwiththinkingofwomen——lightordark。I
　　wasthinkingofthegroom”splaceatthegreathouse，andItriedtosayso。MyauntChancewouldn”tlisten。Shetreatedmyinterpretationwithcontempt。“Hoot-toot！there”sthecairdinyourhand！Ifye”renothinkingofhertheday，ye”llbethinkingofherthemorrow。Where”stheharmofthinkingofadairkwoman！
　　Iwasanceadairkwomanmyself，beforemyhairwasgray。Haudyerpeace，Francie，andwatchthecairds。”
　　IwatchedthecardsasIwastold。Thereweresevenleftonthetable。Myauntremovedtwofromoneendoftherowandtwofromtheother，anddesiredmetocallthetwooutermostofthethreecardsnowleftonthetable。IcalledtheAceofClubsandtheTenofDiamonds。MyauntChanceliftedhereyestotheceilingwithalookofdevoutgratitudewhichsorelytriedmymother”spatience。
　　TheAceofClubsandtheTenofDiamonds，takentogether，signified——first，goodnewsevidentlythenewsofthegroom”splace；secondly，ajourneythatlaybeforemepointingplainlytomyjourneyto-morrow！；thirdlyandlastly，asumofmoneyprobablythegroom”swages！waitingtofinditswayintomypockets。Havingtoldmyfortuneintheseencouragingterms，myauntdeclinedtocarrytheexperimentanyfurther。“Eh，lad！it”sacleantemptingo”Proavidencetoaskmairo”thecairdsthanthecairdshavetauldusnoo。Gaeyerwaysto-morrowtothegreathoose。Adairkwomanwillmeetyeatthegate；andshe”llhaveahandingettingyethegroom”splace，wi”a”thegratificationsandpairquisitesappertainingtothesame。And，mebbe，whenyerpoaket”sfullo”money，ye”llno”beforgettingyerauntChance，maintainingherainunblemishedwidowhood——wi”Proavidenceassisting——onthrattypundsayear！“
　　IpromisedtoremembermyauntChancewhohadthedefect，bytheway，ofbeingaterriblygreedypersonaftermoneyonthenexthappyoccasionwhenmypooremptypocketsweretobefilledatlast。Thisdone，Ilookedatmymother。Shehadagreedtotakehersisterforumpirebetweenus，andhersisterhadgivenitinmyfavor。Sheraisednomoreobjections。Silently，shegotonherfeet，andkissedme，andsighedbitterly——andsolefttheroom。MyauntChanceshookherhead。“Idoubt，Francie，yerpuirmitherhasbutaheathennotionofthevairtueofthecairds！“
　　BydaylightthenextmorningIsetforthonmyjourney。IlookedbackatthecottageasIopenedthegardengate。Atonewindowwasmymother，withherhandkerchieftohereyes。AttheotherstoodmyauntChance，holdinguptheQueenofSpadesbywayofencouragingmeatstarting。Iwavedmyhandstobothofthemintokenoffarewell，andsteppedoutbrisklyintotheroad。ItwasthenthelastdayofFebruary。Bepleasedtoremember，inconnectionwiththis，thatthefirstofMarchwastheday，andtwoo”clockinthemorningthehourofmybirth。