to some staid and respectable friend of the
family. "I have been standing there this hour past, keeping behind the
pillar while other folk went in and out, and waiting my time to speak to
you."

"To me?" repeated Hedges.

"Yes, sir. I want you to grant me a favour; and I hope you'll pardon my
boldness in asking it."

Hedges did not know what to make of this. It was the first time he
had enjoyed the honour of a personal interview with Mr. Pike; and the
contrast between that gentleman's popular reputation and his present tone
and manner struck the butler as exceedingly singular. But that the butler
was in a very softened mood, feeling full of subdued charity towards all
the world, he might not have condescended to parley with the man.

"What is the favour?" he inquired.

"I want you to let me in to see the poor young earl--what's left of him."

"Let you in to see the earl!" echoed Hedges in surprise. "I never heard
such a bold request."

"It is bold. I've already said so, and asked you to pardon it."

"What can you want that for? It can't be for nothing but curiosity;
and--"

"It's not curiosity," interrupted Pike, with an emphasis that told upon
his hearer. "I have a different motive, sir; and a good motive. If I were
at liberty to tell it--which I'm not--you'd let me in without another
word. Lots of people have been seeing him, I suppose."

"Indeed they have not. Why should they? It is a bold thing for _you_ to
come and ask it."

"Did he come by his death fairly?" whispered the man.

"Good heavens!" exclaimed the butler, stepping back aghast. "I don't
think you know what you are talking about. Who would harm Lord
Hartledon?"

"Let me see him," implored the man. "It can't hurt him or anybody else.
Only just for a minute, sir, in your presence. And if it's ever in my
power to do you a good turn, Mr. Hedges, I'll do it. It doesn't seem
likely now; but the mouse gnawed the lion's net, you know, and set him
free."

Whether it was the strange impressiveness with which the request was
proffered, or that the softened mood of Hedges rendered him incapable of
contention, certain it was that he granted it; and most likely would
wonder at himself for it all his after-life. Crossing the hall with
silent tread, and taking up a candle as he went, he led the way to the
room; Mr. Pike stepping after him with a tread equally silent.

"Take your hat off," peremptorily whispered the butler; for that worthy
had entered t