t, or else
his acting was magnificent. To save me I was not certain which might be
the correct guess. He continued in stately solemnity.

"I trust there remains nothing more you desire to learn, sir? If not, I
am requested to conduct you to the library. Ah, thank you, sir--this way,
please."

He stood aside, statue-like, his eyes looking directly past me, and
pointed with dignity to the open door. I obeyed the calm movement of that
hand as though it had been a military order, but, as I stepped into the
twilight of the outer basement, I suddenly perceived the presence there
of the attendant graybeard. He moved in advance, and I followed, aware
that Peter was closely at my heels. Thus we proceeded up the stairs, and
into the upper passage. My eyes surveyed the wide hall, and caught
glimpses of the great rooms opening upon either side. Accustomed from my
childhood to those stately Colonial homes along the Eastern shore, I
could yet recall none more spacious, or more richly furnished. The
devastating touch of war had left no visible impress here, and on every
hand were evidences of wealth and taste. My feet sunk deeply into silken
carpets, and the breeze through opened windows blew aside gossamer
curtains. Involuntarily I lifted my head.

"Whose home is this?" I asked, but neither of the men answered, or so
much as glanced at me. The graybeard threw open a door, standing aside as
though on guard, and I stepped across the threshold. A glance told me
here was a library, not only in name, but in fact, a large square room,
well lighted, the furniture mahogany, shining like glass, three of the
walls lined with books, mostly in sombre bindings. A green-topped table
occupied the centre of the apartment, a massive affair, flanked by a
leather upholstered reading chair, while before the front windows were
cushioned ledges. My rapid glimpse about ended in Peter standing in
dignified silence barely within the door, his hand upon the knob.

"I am authorized, sir," he said impressively, gazing directly across my
shoulder, not a feature expressing emotion, "to permit you to remain here
on parole."

"Parole! What do you mean?"

"Parole was, I believe, the word used, sir," in calm explanation. "It is,
as I understand, sir, a military term signifying pledge."

"Oh, I know that. Kindly concede that I possess some small intelligence,
Peter. But to whom is this parole given, and what does it imply?"

"To myself, sir. This may seem sli