"'The Night of the Tenth of November, 1842,'" he said, and his voice trembled.
"Right; you are the man," said the unknown. "Did you receive a letter last evening?"
"I did,"—and Barnhurst's voice was very faint.
"How was that letter signed, and to what did it refer?"
Again Barnhurst hesitated. Arthur felt the hand which he held grow hot and cold by turns.
"It was signed by 'The Three,"' he replied in a faltering voice—"and referred to an event which it assumes took place on the night of the tenth of November, 1842."
"'Assumes!'" echoed the unknown, with a faint laugh. "You think it an assumption, do you? Well, I like that. And the letter requested you to meet one of the 'Three,' at this place, at the hour of four this morning; and it concluded by stating that you would hear something of great interest to yourself in regard to the events of that night."
"It did," faintly responded Barnhurst. "I am here, and—"
"We will have a little private conversation together. First of all, you must know that I am one of three persons who take a great interest in your affairs, and desire to save you from a great deal of trouble. We watch over you with fraternal anxiety, and do all we can to keep you out of harm. And on the part of the Three, (whose names you will know in good time, in case you prove reasonable,) I am deputed to give you a little good counsel."
"Good counsel?"