I have been mauled by the claws of injury and shame, and I have not flinched.

I have healed my own wounds, and I wear my scars without--" He stopped, for there came a sharp rat-tat-tat at the door which opened into the street.

Somehow the commonplace, trivial interruption produced on both a strange, even startling effect.

It suddenly produced in their minds a feeling of apprehension, as though there was whispered in their ears, "Something is going to happen--beware!" Rat-tat-tat! The two men looked at each other.

The same thought was in the mind of both.