{Illustration: HE TORE DOWN THE COVERLET, WHICH CONCEALED THE GREATER PART OF HIS FACE.}
“Yes, and be quick, for I’m in a hurry.”
The landlord went up to the door and knocked loudly. There was no answer. He knocked still more loudly. Still no answer. He then kept up an incessant rapping for about ten minutes. Still there was no answer. He had tried the door before, but it was locked on the inside. He went around to the windows that opened on the balcony; these were open.
He then went down and told the old man that the door was fastened, but that the windows were unfastened. If he chose to go in there he might do so.
“I will do so,” said the other, “for I must see him. I have business of importance.” He went up.
The landlord and some of the servants, whose curiosity was by this time excited, followed after.
The old man opened the window, which swung back on hinges, and entered. There was a man in the bed.
He lay motionless. The old man approached. He recognized the face.
A cold chill went to his heart. He tore down the coverlet, which concealed the greater part of his face. The next moment he fell forward upon the bed.
“Johnnie!” he screamed—“Johnnie!”