or at
the foot of the stairs.

"Great Jonah!" he exclaimed, closing his book and cocking his head to
listen. "Now, who--wonder ef it's Cousin Rebecca or Phoebe!"

The knock was repeated.

"Why, 'f course 'tis!" he said. "Couldn't be anybody else. Funny they
never come back sooner!"

He laid his book upon the table and started down the stairs just as the
knocking was heard for the third time.

"Comin'--comin'!" he cried. "Save the pieces!"

He threw open the door and started back in alarm as there entered a
strange man wrapped in a black cloak, which he held so as to completely
hide his features.

The new-comer sprang into the little hallway and hastily closed the door
behind him.

"Close in the light, friend," he said.

Then, glancing about him, he ascended the stairs and entered the main
room above.

Droop followed him closely, rubbing his hand through his hair in
perplexity. This intrusion threatened to spoil his plans. It would
never do to have the neighbors swarming around the Panchronicon.

The stranger threw off his cloak on entering the upper room and turned
to face his host.

"I owe you sincere acknowledgment of thanks, good sir," he said,
gravely.

He appeared to be about thirty-five years of age, a man of medium
stature, dark of hair and eyes, with a pale, intellectual face and a
close-clipped beard. His entire apparel was black, save for his
well-starched ruff of moderate depth and the lace ruffles at his wrists.

"Wal, I dunno," Droop retorted. "Marry, an I hed known as thou wast not
an acquaintance----"

"You would not have given me admittance?"

The calm, dark eyes gazed with disconcerting steadiness into Droop's
face.

"Oh--well--I ain't sayin'----"

"I hope I have not intruded to your hurt or serious confusion, friend,"
said the stranger, glancing about him. "To tell the very truth, your
hospitable shelter hath offered itself in the hour of need."

"What--doth it raineth--eh?"

"Oh, no!"

"What can I do fer ye? Take a seat," said Droop, as the stranger dropped
into a chair. "Thou knowest, forsooth, that I don't take photygraphs at
night--marry, no!"

"Are you, then, the new limner who makes pictures by aid of the box and
glass?"

"Yea--that's what I am," said Droop.

"I was ignorant of the location of your dwelling. Indeed, it is pure
accident--a trick of Fortune that hath brought me to your door
to-night."

Droop seated himself and directed an interrogative gaze at h