“‘So be it,’ he said, ‘and I am ready to accompany you, sir.’
“I drew my pistol and threw it upon the bed, looking at Mortimer as I did so. He imitated me, and opening his coat, showed me that he was wholly unarmed. I did the same, and having locked the private door leading to the back staircase, led the way out, followed by Mortimer. He turned and looked at madam as he passed through the door. She was erect, furious, defiant, full of anticipated triumph. Was it a glance of gloomy compassion and deep tenderness which Mortimer threw toward her? I thought I heard him sigh.
“I locked the door, and we descended to the library.”
XXIV. — WHAT TOOK PLACE IN FIFTY MINUTES.
“As we entered the apartment, the clock on the mantel-piece struck midnight.
“My body servant was within call, and I ordered my carriage, which Nighthawk had been directed to have ready at a moment’s warning.
“In five minutes it was at the door, and I had just taken the two foils under my arm, when I heard a step in the passage. A moment afterward, Nighthawk entered.
“He was so pale that I scarcely recognized him. When his eyes encountered Mortimer, they flashed lightnings of menace.