“None, my lord,” answered the man-servant, drawing a soft pace backward as he watched that rigid face.
“Send Sturton to me.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“And hark’ee! If I should ring again, see that Tom and Roger answer—themselves only!”
“Yes, my lord!” murmured the servant, shrinking again as with a last stealthy glance he went softly forth, closing the door gently behind him.
So Orme and Lingley had gone! Even they had deserted him at last! Well, so much the better ... considering. But the smile that distorted my lord’s mouth was evil to see.
And after some while the door opened and Mr. Sturton appeared, who, at sign from my lord, entered and closed the door.
“So—o—o!” said his lordship, dwelling upon the word while he stared into the haggard face before him. “You have failed—again, Sturton?”
“’Twas no fault o’ mine, my lord; in another ten minutes we should ha’ had him safe aboard ship——”