It was a long time coming, for they both coughed and groaned violently during the recital.

At length, however, the old man turned to Bilk and said gruffly-- "Kneel." The boy obeyed, and the old man proceeded.
"She says a great danger threatens you this night.

If you escape it, you will live to be a baronet or member of parliament, and perhaps you will marry a duke's daughter; but she can't be certain of that.

If you don't escape it, you will be in a lunatic asylum next week, and never come out.

Not a word," added he, as Bilk once more showed signs of breaking silence.