When Captain Rayner came in, half an hour afterwards, the parlor was deserted. He was looking worn and dispirited. Finding no one on the ground-floor, he went to the foot of the stairs, and called,—
"Kate."
A door opened above: "Kate has gone out, captain."
"Do you know where, Nellie?"
"Over to the hospital, I think; though I cannot say."
She heard him sigh deeply, move irresolutely about the hall for a moment, then turn and go out.
At his gate he found two figures dimly visible in the gathering darkness: they had stopped on hearing his footstep. One was an officer in uniform, wrapped in heavy overcoat, with a fur cap, and a bandage over his eyes. The other was a Chinese servant, and it was the latter who asked,—
"This Maje Waldlon's?"
"No," said he, hastily. "Major Waldron's is the third door beyond."
At the sound of his voice the officer quickly started, but spoke in low, measured tone: "Straight ahead, Sam." And the Chinaman led him on.