Barbara started back in horror.
“Is he... is he...” she stammered, pointing at the limp still form.
Strangwise nodded.
“A spy!” he said gravely, “we were well rid of him. Go over there in the corner where you won’t see it. Stay!” he added, seeing how pale the girl had become, “you shall have some brandy!”
He produced a flask and measured her out, a portion in the cup. Suddenly, the door leading from the bar opened and a woman came into the room. Her black velvet dress, her gray hair and general air of distinction made her a bizarre figure in that squalid room lit by the guttering candle.
“Time we were off!” she said to Strangwise, “Bellward’s just coming down!”
“There’s the maid...” began Strangwise, looking meaningly at Barbara.
The woman in black velvet cast a questioning glance at him.
Strangwise nodded.
“I’ll do it,” said the woman promptly, “if you’ll call her down!”