"Cap's in one of his black humors to-night."
"Phew! I should say so."
"Nothing wrong, was there?"
"Nothing particular," I answered. "What's the matter with that bolt? Does it stick?"
"Like thunderation. There it goes. I've got it now. Now for another one—you see we keep this place well guarded—now another, and all that now remains is to turn the knob."
"Suppose you do it, then, as I've got one or two messages more to deliver yet."
"Kerect."
The guard's hand was on the knob.
He was in the act of turning it when he suddenly paused.
"Got the pass?" he inquired.