Was it some midnight assassin who had come to carry out the murderous orders of the secret tribunal?
Or was it some agent who was marking up that the last day of grace had arrived.

John Ferrier felt that instant death would be better than the suspense which shook his nerves and chilled his heart.

Springing forward he drew the bolt and threw the door open.
Outside all was calm and quiet.

The night was fine, and the stars were twinkling brightly overhead.

The little front garden lay before the farmer's eyes bounded by the fence and gate, but neither there nor on the road was any human being to be seen.