“I only stipulate it for Louis too,” said Reginald.
“He shall have it,” said Hamilton, calmly; “but if he attempts to move till I have done, I will carry him at once to Dr. Wilkinson.”
Hamilton glanced at the windows, where five or six heads were darkening the lower panes, in their eagerness to discover the cause of Louis' forcible abduction; and, walking coolly up to them, bolted them, and drew down both blinds. He then returned to his place, and, drawing his coat-tails under his arms, arranged himself with his back to the fire, exactly opposite to Louis, who stood passively where he had been placed, very pale, but otherwise showing little emotion.
“Now, sir,” began Hamilton, “explain how you got this.”
As he spoke, he produced, to the astonishment of his school-fellows, the parcel—rubbed at the edges, but still the identical parcel, as he proved, by breaking the seal, and showing the writing inside.
“What! Louis Mortimer!” exclaimed Jones.
“Et tu Brute!” ejaculated Frank, in a tone of mingled surprise and reproach.
“Louis!” said Reginald, coloring deeply; “oh, Louis! How did you find it, Hamilton?”
“Did you not see it come in through the half-open door just now?” said Hamilton.
“I fancied I saw something fly along,” said Meredith.