Colonel Johnson had just completed tying the last knot when the door, which had been left unbolted, was seen to open, and the half-witted boy, Daniel, entered hastily.
"How now, idiot!" said Johnson harshly. "What brings you here?"
"There's a gentleman up-stairs wants to see you, master," said Daniel, with the scared look with which he always regarded his tyrant.
"A gentleman!" repeated Johnson hastily. "Who let him in?"
"I did, sir."
"You did!" thundered Johnson. "How often have I told you to let in nobody? Do you want me to choke you?"
"I—forgot," faltered the boy. "Besides, he said he wanted to see you particular."
"All the more reason why I don't want to see him. What does he look like?"
"He's a small man, sir."
"Humph! Where did you leave him?"