For Ballard, in his ponderous and short-sighted way, had reached a very different conclusion. Though unable to weigh the full consequences of such a choice, he had decided that the days of his master’s dominance were numbered, and that it was time to abandon him.
“I’m me own master now,” he said aloud. “Now I decide who lives, and who don’t.”
So rising slowly, with plans of his own passing through him in the dark, he descended the remaining steps, and approached at last the final landing---the broad level space before the massive door.
He heard a sudden start in the gloom, and strained his eyes to see. The single lamp was now smoking so badly, and cast such a wavering glow..... He saw the orderly, crouched like a frightened child at the foot of the impenetrable door. The Lieutenant took a breath, then chose his course.
“Peace, Master Cummings,” he said to him. “I haven’t come to kill you. Stand against the far wall if it will make your mind easier. I’m going to let you out.”
“But you. . .you murdered him.” Almost a sob.
“Not I, my friend. It was that bastard, Purceville, who done it before I could stop him. And that’ll be an end to my faithful service, I promise you. After all these years’ blind obedience, I see him now in his true colors. I tell you, I’ve had enough.”
He came forward with the ring of keys in his hand, as the other moved distrustfully away. He inserted the iron shaft, turned it in the lock, and pulled open the door with a seditious crack like the unsealing of a coffin. Then stood away.
The orderly eyed the opening, torn between desire and fear. Then began to inch toward it with his back against the stone, arms spread plaintively behind him.
“Be cautioned,” said Ballard as he drew closer. “You must walk past the guards at the end of the corridor as if nothing has happened, then lie low till I’ve had time to deal with the Master. His men are ruthless, and the Lord only knows what they’ll do if they suspect.....”