man, much bent, but still agile; and he turned from time to time

and admonished silence and caution by his gestures. Colonel

Geraldine followed on his heels, the case of swords under one arm,

and a pistol ready in the other. Brackenbury's heart beat thickly.

He perceived that they were still in time; but he judged from the

alacrity of the old man that the hour of action must be near at

hand; and the circumstances of this adventure were so obscure and

menacing, the place seemed so well chosen for the darkest acts,

that an older man than Brackenbury might have been pardoned a

measure of emotion as he closed the procession up the winding

stair.

At the top the guide threw open a door and ushered the three

officers before him into a small apartment, lighted by a smoky lamp

and the glow of a modest fire. At the chimney corner sat a man in

the early prime of life, and of a stout but courtly and commanding

appearance. His attitude and expression were those of the most

unmoved composure; he was smoking a cheroot with much enjoyment and

deliberation, and on a table by his elbow stood a long glass of

some effervescing beverage which diffused an agreeable odour

through the room.

"Welcome," said he, extending his hand to Colonel Geraldine. "I

knew I might count on your exactitude."

"On my devotion," replied the Colonel, with a bow.

"Present me to your friends," continued the first; and, when that

ceremony had been performed, "I wish, gentlemen," he added, with

the most exquisite affability, "that I could offer you a more

cheerful programme; it is ungracious to inaugurate an acquaintance

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