rest, you take care of
this," he added, passing the revolver over to him. "I'll look after
Engleton."

He led him to an easy-chair close to the window. He opened it a few
inches, and a current of strong fresh air came sweeping in. Then he
poured some brandy into a glass and gave it to Kate.

"Let him sip this," he said. "Keep his head back. That's right. We will
call a truce for a few moments. I am going to talk with my friend."

He turned away, and Kate, with a sudden movement, sprang toward the
fireplace and pulled the bell. Cecil looked around and smiled
contemptuously.

"It is well thought of," he remarked, "but unfortunately there is not a
servant in the house. Go on ringing it, if you like. All that it can
awake are the echoes."

Kate dropped the rope and turned back towards Engleton. The colour was
coming slowly back to his cheeks. With an effort he kept from
altogether losing consciousness.

"I am not going to faint," he said in a low tone. "I will not. Tell me,
they have the pistol?"

"Yes," Kate answered, "but don't be afraid. I am not going back there
again, nor shall they take you."

He pressed her hand.

"You are a plucky girl," he muttered. "Stick to me now and I'll never
forget it. I've held out so long that I'm d--d if I let them off their
punishment now."

Cecil came slowly across the room.

"Feeling better, Engleton?" he asked.

Engleton turned his head.

"Yes," he answered, "I am well enough. What of it?"

"We'd better have an understanding," Cecil said.

"Have it, then, and be d----d to you!" Engleton answered. "You won't
get me alive down into that place again. If you are going to try, try."

"Come," Cecil said, "there is no need to talk like that. Why not pass
your word to treat this little matter as a joke? It's the simplest way.
Go up to your room, change your clothes and shave, have a drink with
us, and take the morning train to town. It's not worth while risking
your life for the sake of a little bit of revenge on us for having gone
too far. I admit that we were wrong in keeping you here. You terrified
us. Forrest has more enemies than friends and I am unknown in London.
If you went to the club with your story, people would believe it. We
shouldn't have a chance. That is why we were afraid to let you go back.
Forget the last few days and cry quits."

"I'll see you d----d first," Engleton answered.

Cecil's face changed a little.

"Well," he said, "I have made you a fai