Ah--what is that ?" At the end of the verandah there was a clattering down of pots which could not be due to the wind, since the place was sheltered.

There was as yet only the faintest hint of light, and black night still lurked in the crannies.

Followed another fall of pots, as from a clumsy intruder, and then a man appeared, clear against the glass door by which the path descended to the rock garden.

It was the fourth man, whom the three prisoners had awaited.

Dickson had no doubt at all about his identity.