It was a queer little gathering in the drawing-room of Market Burnham Hall, queer and in a sense ominous.

Two soldiers guarded the door.
Another one stood with his back to the wide-flung window, the sunlight flashing upon his drawn bayonet.

Granet, although he looked about him for a moment curiously, carried himself with ease and confidence.
"How do you do, Sir Meyville ?" he said.

"How are you, Thomson ?" Sir Meyville, who was in a state of great excitement, took absolutely no notice of the young man's greeting.

Thomson pointed to a chair, in which Granet at once seated himself.
"I have sent for you, Captain Granet," the former began, "to ask you certain questions with reference to the events of last night." "Delighted to tell you anything I can," Granet replied.