They disappeared, and I, stooping, lifted young Dagmar in my arms and carried him below. When he recovered he gave me a look of murderous malignity, got silently to his feet, and staggered to his room. Ten minutes later he departed from the house without sparing a word to me or any other there. I was glad to see his back, for although I bore him no ill-will, I had no longer any manner of use for him.
Sir Charles Venner soon afterwards was good enough to pay a visit to my pantry.
"Was that Mr. Dagmar who went out a while ago?" he demanded.
"Yes, Sir Charles."
"Did he take his traps?"
"Yes, sir."
"Don't admit him again, Brown. He has upset your master very much. By the way, I am pleased with you Brown; you acted very properly. You need not repay me the money that I lent you, my man. I wish you to keep it as a little present—from me."
"Oh, sir!" I cried, "I could not think of doing that. I shall always be indebted to you by the memory of your kindness and glad to be, Sir Charles. But you must let me pay you back the money."
"Well, well; I'm not sure but what I like you the better for that spirit, Brown. Yet I think you are a fool."
"It is the way I was made, sir," I murmured apologetically. "Thank you kindly all the same."