d the way into
the library, where he rang for a servant.

"Set out the card-table here," he ordered, "and bring in the whisky and
soda. After that we do not wish to be disturbed. You understand?"

"Certainly, sir," the man answered.

They waited until the things were brought. Afterwards they locked the
door. Cecil went to a drawer and took out a couple of electric torches,
one of which he handed to Forrest. Then he went to the wall, and after
a few minutes' groping, found the spring. The door swung open, and a
rush of unwholesome air streamed into the room. They made their way
silently along the passage until at last they reached the sunken
chamber. Cecil took a key from his pocket and opened the door.

* * * * *

Engleton was in evil straits, but there was no sign of yielding in his
face as he looked up. He was seated before a small table upon which a
common lamp was burning. His clothes hung about him loosely. His face
was haggard. A short, unbecoming beard disfigured his face. He wore no
collar or necktie, and his general appearance was altogether
dishevelled. Forrest looked at him critically.

"My dear Engleton!" he began.

"What the devil do you want with me at this time of night?" Engleton
interrupted. "Have you come down to see how I amuse myself during the
long evenings? Perhaps you would like to come and play cut-throat. I'll
play you for what stakes you like, and thank you for coming, if you'll
leave the door open and let me breathe a little better air."

"It is your own fault that you are here," Cecil de la Borne declared.
"It is all your cursed obstinacy. Listen! I tell you once more that
what you saw, or fancied you saw, was a mistake. Forget it. Give your
word of honour to forget it, never to allude to it at any time in your
life, and you can walk out of here a free man."

Engleton nodded.

"I have no doubt of it," he answered. "The worst of it is that nothing
in the world would induce me to forego the pleasure I promise myself,
before very long, too, of giving to the whole world the story of your
infamy. I am not tractable to-night. You had better go away, both of
you. I am more likely to fight."

Forrest sat down on the edge of a chest.

"Engleton," he said, "don't be a fool. It can do you no particular good
to ruin Cecil here and myself, just because you happen to be
suspicious. Let that drop. Tell us that you have decided to let it
drop, and the world can take you into its arms again."