Leaving his men near the door he went around the house. Then, approaching a window, he cautiously looked into the room. A dozen candles were on the table, and many more in sconces on the wall.
At the table sat Mr. Galloway, the British superintendent of police, a staunch Tory, Mr. Penn, Colonel Grimstone, and Captain Verney. There were several empty chairs. Supper was over. There were empty bottles on the table and a big bowl of punch.
The Colonel had removed his stiff regulation stock. Galloway had unbuttoned his embroidered waistcoat. Verney was looking at his watch.
“A nice party,� said McLane. “Will it incline to be hospitable?�
Then he returned to the front.
The Lieutenant said: “Their horses are in the stable, the grooms asleep beside a fireplace.�
A man was put at each window, two left at the door, and, it being now near to ten, McLane quietly entered the hall, and then, with his Lieutenant, appeared in the supper-room. Mr. Penn arose.
“Good-evening, sir,� said McLane. “Lieutenant Hand and I have had a long ride, and seeing your lights took the liberty——�
“Oh, most welcome—as are all gentleman of His Majesty’s service. Sit down, sir. Colonel Grimstone, you may know these officers.�
“Never saw them in all my life,� said the Colonel gruffly.