The two rushed to the door, beyond it, and far along the grassy road that gave approach to the hunting-lodge.

They forgot to guard the secret and the door gaped open behind them.

Sapt ran as he had not run for many a day, and outstripped his companion.

There was a message from Strelsau! The constable, without a word of greeting, snatched the envelope from the hand of the messenger and tore it open.

He read it hastily, muttering under his breath "Good God!" Then he turned suddenly round and began to walk quickly back to James, who, seeing himself beaten in the race, had dropped to a walk.