Gerald heard him and became alarmed.
“Come back here and let me out!” he called. “I’ll pay you well.”
If Tip had heard this he would have been tempted to retrace his steps, for if there was anything the young rascal was fond of it was money. But he was already out of hearing.
Gerald, however, heard a key inserted in the lock, and his hopes rose again. He had not heard the voice of Standish, and was not aware of his presence, but stood ready to make a rush out of the room when the door opened. But he reckoned without his host. The door opened, indeed, but only sufficiently to admit the figure of Samuel Standish.
“Mr. Standish!” exclaimed Gerald in astonishment.
“Yes, my dear young friend. I’ve come to make you a call.”