Stephen, the "man of the family," was the only member of the household, servants excepted, who slept soundly that night.

Conscious of having done his duty in the affair with Pearson and his guardian, and somewhat fatigued by the disagreeable task of soothing his hysterical sister, he was slumbering peacefully at nine the next morning when awakened by a series of raps on his bedroom door.
"Ah! What?
Well, what is it ?" he demanded, testily opening his eyes.
"Edwards, is that you?
What the devil do you mean by making such a row ?" The voice which answered was not the butler's, but Caroline's.
"Steve! Oh, Steve!" she cried.

"Do get up and come out! Come, quick!" "What's the matter ?" inquired the young man, sitting up in bed.

"Is the house afire ?" "No, no! But do come! I want you.

Something has happened." "Happened?
What is it ?" "I can't tell you here.