“Surely. That was it. We were, as a matter of fact, all alone when we were seized. Some mountaineers found us and gave all the assistance they could, and afterward helped me back to the inn.�
“You did not immediately recover from that attack, did you?�
“No. I was ailing for a long time after that—several weeks, in fact; but the effect of it gradually passed away. I think it was the shock of losing Thomas in that manner that affected me as much as anything.â€�
“He had been with you a long time?�
“Yes. He was, in fact, a distant relative, strange as it may sound to you.�
“A relative, serving as your servant? That is strange.�
“Oh, it was quite generally known among my intimates. Thomas’ name was Lynne, also. He was a cousin so far removed that you could hardly call it a relationship; and, after all, he served more in the capacity of companion than servant.�
“I see. A mutually agreeable relation, eh?�
“Entirely so. I had offered him better things many times, but he preferred the life of ease and luxury and travel that he had with me, even in the capacity of valet, to the undertaking of more arduous things. He was rather a strange character, Mr. Carter.�
“Rather an odd one, I should say. How long a time had you borne that relation to each other?�