“‘I would not intrude upon you, if it was not necessary sir,’ he said, in an agitated voice, ‘but I must speak to you to-night!’
“There was something in his accent which frightened me, I knew not why.
“‘Well speak!’ I said, austerely, ‘but be brief!’
“‘As brief as I can, sir; but I must tell you all. If you strike me dead at your feet, I must tell you all, sir!’
“In spite of myself I shuddered.
“‘Speak!’ I said, ‘what does this mean, Nighthawk?’ Why do you look like a ghost at me?’
“He came up close to me.
“‘What I have to tell you concerns your honor and your life, sir!’ he said, in a low tone.
“I gazed at him in speechless astonishment. Was I the prey of some nightmare? I protest to you, Surry, I thought for a moment that I was dreaming all this. A tremor ran through my frame; I placed my hand upon my heart, which felt icy cold—then suddenly my self-possession and coolness seemed to return to me as by magic.
“‘Explain your words,’ I said, coldly, ‘there is some mystery in them which I do not understand. Speak, and speak plainly.’