Some strange fascination held me motionless, watching the man climb the front steps.

The iron knocker rang loudly twice before there came any response from within.

Then I could hear voices, but the words reaching me were detached, and without definite meaning.

Finally the door closed, and the two men passed along the hall, beyond the room in which I waited.

Then Peter's voice said solemnly, as if announcing a distinguished guest: "Captain Alfred Grant!" There was an exclamation of surprise, a quick exchange of sentences indistinguishable, although I was sure of Grant's peculiar accent, and the other voice was that of the young Light Dragoon lieutenant.