arently he found the task
a heavy one, for, before long, he took a newspaper out of his pocket,
and, a propos to one of his own remarks, began to read a highly
decorated account of the fearful injuries under which the last victim
of the last diabolical explosion had been in danger of succumbing. Sir
Roger read his gruesome narrative with much emphasis, and as he laid
down the paper he observed:

"Well, I hope I'm not more of a coward than most men, but in face of
dynamite--ugh!" and he shuddered realistically.

"I should make for the door," said Laing.

"Yes, but in this case the bomb was at the door!"

"Then," said Laing, "I should exit by the window."

"But this poor man." remarked Mary Travers, "stayed to rescue the woman
he loved," and her eyes rested for an instant in confident affection on
Charlie Ellerton.

"We should all do as much, I trust," said John, glancing at Dora
Bellairs.

"I'm sure I hope you won't have to," said Dora, rather ungraciously.

"Think what a convincing test of affection it would be," suggested
Deane persuasively. "After that you could never doubt that the man
loved you."

"My good Sir Roger," observed Miss Bussey, "it would be common
humanity."

"Suppose there were two girls," said Laing, "and you couldn't take 'em
both!"

Deane hastily interposed.

"Haven't we had enough of this dreary subject?" he asked, and he
frowned slightly at Laing.

"Isn't it about time for coffee?" the General suggested.

Deane looked at his watch.

"What does the time matter, Deane, if we're ready?"

"Not a bit. 2.20. That's all right," and he rang the bell.

Painter came in with the coffee: the little man looked rather pale and
nervous, but succeeded in serving the company without upsetting the
cups. He came to Deane last.

"Is everything ready?" whispered that gentleman, and receiving a
trembling "Yes, sir," he added, "in ten minutes."

"This," he observed out loud, "has been a pleasant gathering--a
pleasant end to our outing."

"What? You're going?" asked Miss Bussey.

"Yes: my wife and I cross to England to-morrow."

"I shall go the next day," announced the General, "if Dora is ready."

John threw a glance toward Dora, but she was busy drinking her coffee.

"Well," said Deane, "I hope we may soon meet again, under equally
delightful circumstances, in London. At any rate," he added with a
laugh, "there we shall be safe from----"

Crash! A loud noise came from the door, as if of