a little scream.

"There is a slight draught," Rochester remarked, calmly.

"It is no draught," Saton answered. "You want the truth and you shall
have it. See, there are five men present."--He counted rapidly with
his forefinger. "One of them will be dead before we leave this room."

Rochester strolled over to the sideboard, and helped himself to a
cigarette.

"Come," he said, "this is going a little too far! Look at the cheeks
of these ladies, Saton. A little melodrama is all very well, but you
are too good an actor. Hinckley, and all of you," he said, looking
around, "I propose that we end the strain. Let us go into the
billiard-room and have a pool. I presume that the spell will then be
broken."

Lady Mary shrieked.

"Don't move, any of you!" she cried. "I am afraid!"

Rochester laughed softly, and crossed the floor with firm footsteps.
He stood on the threshold of the door leading to the billiard-room.

"Come," he said, "I am indeed between life and death, for I have one
foot in one room and one in the other. Come, you others, and seek
safety too."

The women also rose. There was a rush for the door, a swish of
draperies, a little sob from Lois, who was terrified. Saton remained
standing alone. He had not moved. His eyes were fixed upon the figure
of the judge, who also lingered. They two were left in the centre of
the hall.

"Come, Guerdon," Rochester cried. "You and I will take the lot on."

Guerdon did not move. He motioned to Saton slightly.

"Young man," he said, "we have met before. I said so when you first
came in. My memory is improving."

Saton leaned forward.

[Illustration: "Some water, quick, and brandy," Rochester cried.]

"Be careful, judge," he said.

"Be careful be d--d!" the judge answered. "Rochester, come here. God
in Heaven!"

His left hand went suddenly to his throat. He almost tore away the
collar and primly arranged tie. Rochester was by his side in a second,
and saved him from falling. His face was white to the lips. A shriek
from the women rang through the hall, and came echoing back again from
the black rafters.

"Some water quick, and brandy," Rochester cried, tearing open the
shirt from the man he was supporting. "Send for a doctor, someone.
Penarvon, you see to that. Let them take the motor. Keep those d--d
women quiet!"

The judge opened his eyes.

"I remember him," he faltered.

"Drink some of this, old fellow," Rochester said. "You'll be better in
a momen