"And how did he describe the room?"
"A library, he said, with a bird cage before one window and a desk in the corner."
"And the safe?"
"He could not open it at first, but tried again and again. Something alarmed them, however, or so I gathered. For you must know his accent was very hard to follow and—and"—(Serena blushed)—"he was very much agitated while he told me. But I gathered that they were interrupted and put off their wicked work."
"I must see this young convert. He may have sinned to good purpose that time."
"There comes the strange part of it. Since he made the confession I have not seen him again. He has not come to our meetings, as he used. Perhaps he has fallen back into the evil ways of the worldly minded. Perhaps the wicked ones have punished him."
"The description is certainly similar," said McCausland, shutting his right eye, so as to fix more keenly on his visitor's face the other, which was the one reputed microscopic in its powers.
"So it seemed to me, reading the papers, which are full of profane sayings, alas! But where sin is there must be the workers in the vineyard."
"I am glad you read them and you did well to come. But—do you know the convert's name? Without some clew, I fear——"
The young girl hesitated awhile, then answered: