The lamp must have fallen almost directly upon Rayel's head, and the oil had no doubt saturated his hair and clothing.
"And the house ?" I asked.

"Is that--" "In ashes," he replied.
Then every trace of that strange event, which no eye save mine had witnessed, was wiped out forever.

The hideous secret had better never be told.
"If I was not badly burned, tell me why I have been lying ill." "Brain fever, my boy," said he.

"Too much excitement, I presume--but you're out of danger now, and will be on your feet again in a few days." Fortunately the latter assurance was rightly spoken.

The first day that brought me strength enough to put on my clothes and walk about the house, Mr.Earl invited me into the library to talk business.