The devastating touch of war had left no visible impress here, and on every hand were evidences of wealth and taste.

My feet sunk deeply into silken carpets, and the breeze through opened windows blew aside gossamer curtains.

Involuntarily I lifted my head.
"Whose home is this ?" I asked, but neither of the men answered, or so much as glanced at me.

The graybeard threw open a door, standing aside as though on guard, and I stepped across the threshold.

A glance told me here was a library, not only in name, but in fact, a large square room, well lighted, the furniture mahogany, shining like glass, three of the walls lined with books, mostly in sombre bindings.