I opened the door, and then started back in dismay as I recognized in her companion the eldest of the three men whom I had seen an hour or two before in the murdered man's house.
For a moment I was literally struck dumb with amazement.
CHAPTER XV
BARON VON RINGHEIM
Baron von Ringheim had been sitting by Althea, and rose at my entrance and bowed to me with old world courtesy.
"My father, Mr. Bastable," said Althea; and at this he advanced toward me with hand extended.
I was still under the thrall of astonishment caused by my recognition, and only the expression of mingled pain, alarm and surprise on Althea's face enabled me to take his hand and mumble some formal reply.
He did not appear to notice anything strange in my conduct, however.
"I have to return you many thanks, sir, for the assistance which you have rendered to my daughter. She has told me how you have helped her, and I beg you to believe that I am sincerely grateful."
He said this with an air of great dignity, of patronage, indeed; almost as if in his opinion the opportunity of helping a daughter of his was something upon which I might well congratulate myself.