Learning of Kenneth's relations with us, he seized the opportunity Fate offered him that night at Worcester, and bound the lad on oath to help him when he should demand it, without disclosing the names of those against whom he should require his services.

The boy expects at any moment to be bidden to go forth with him upon his mission of revenge, little dreaming that it is here that that tragedy is to be played out." "This comes of your fine matrimonial projects for Cynthia," muttered Joseph acridly.

He laughed his unpleasant laugh again, and for a spell there was silence.
"To think, Gregory," he broke out at last, "that for a fortnight he should have been beneath this roof, and you should have found no means of doing more effectively that which was done too carelessly eighteen years ago." He spoke as coldly as though the matter were a trivial one.

Gregory shuddered and looked at his brother in alarm.
"What now, fool ?" cried Joseph, scowling.

"Are you as cowardly as you are blind?
Damn me, sir, it seems well that I am returned.