He opened it without troubling to knock, but started back in astonishment at the sight which met his eyes.

Robert Turold was crouching by the table like a beaten dog, whimpering and shaking with fear.

He sprang to his feet as Thalassa entered, and advanced towards him.
"Thank God you've come, Thalassa," he cried.
"What's the matter with you ?" said Thalassa sternly.
"He's come back, Thalassa--he's come back." "He?
Who ?" "You know whom I mean well enough.

It was--" His voice sank suddenly, and he whispered a name in the man's ear.
Thalassa's brown cheek paled slightly, but he answered quickly and roughly-- "What nonsense are you talking now?
How can he have come back?
How often must I tell you that he is dead ?" "You mean that you thought he was dead, Thalassa.

But he is alive." "How do you know ?" "I heard him." "Heard him! What do you mean ?" "I heard his footsteps pattering around the house, as clear and distinct as that night on that hellish island.