"Can you see them? Are you strong enough?" she asked.
"Yes, tell them to come up. I am comfortable now."
Philip was resting easily, and after a careful look at him, Mrs. Strong went downstairs.
To her surprise, two of the men had gone. The one who remained explained that he thought three persons would excite or tire the minister more than one; he had stayed and would not trouble Philip very long. But the business on which he came was of such an important nature that he felt obliged to see the minister if he could do so without danger to him.
So the man went up and Philip greeted him with his usual heartiness, excusing himself for not rising. The man took a chair, moved up near the couch, and sat down. He seemed a good deal excited, but in a suppressed and cautious way.
"I came to see you, Mr. Strong, to tell you about a thing you ought to know. There is danger of your life here."
"Where?" asked Philip, calmly.
"Here, in this neighborhood."
"Well?" Philip waited for more explanation.
"I didn't want to tell your wife, for fear of scaring her, but I thought you ought to know, Mr. Strong, and then you could take steps to protect yourself or get away."