ntinue to be your master and
to--master you, Animal. Reach me my pistols."

Joseph crossed the room to where they lay beside the bed.

"Sir," said he, taking up the weapons, "you won't let me go, then?"

"Are they loaded, Joseph?"

"Yes, sir."

"Are they cocked?"

"No, sir."

"Which is just as well, Joseph. With your hands shaking like that you
might have had the misfortune to shoot me and be infallibly hanged for
a deplorable accident."

Joseph's eyes flickered and he stood, still grasping a pistol in either
hand.

"Sir," said he thickly, "do you mean to let me go--yes or no?"

"Hanged, Joseph, for--knowing you as I do, Reptile, I am leaving behind
me a letter to the effect that should I meet with any sudden or
untoward misfortune on my journey, a knife in the back, say, or a
bullet, Joseph, justice may be done on the body of one Joseph Appleby,
alias Galloping Nick, already wanted for the murder of----"

The weapons thudded to the floor and Joseph cowered.

"For the love of God!" he whispered hoarsely. "Sir--sir----" And he
clenched and wrung his hands together.

"Pick up the pistols, Worm, and handle them carefully, they've taken to
cocking themselves of late, 'twould seem. And I, Joseph, I've taken to
locking and bolting my door a-nights and being particular how I tread
in the dark."

So saying, Mr. Dalroyd smiled and went downstairs humming softly, where
the company were gathered to see him off.

In due time the horses were brought to the door and Mr. Dalroyd,
pulling on his gauntlets, prepared to mount; but before doing so, drew
his pistols from their holsters and found that their primings had been
shaken out. Whereupon he beckoned Joseph smilingly--saw them re-primed
and, smiling still, kicked Joseph viciously.

Then he mounted, watched Joseph do the same, waved an airy farewell to
the company and rode gracefully away.

Reaching the open road, Mr. Dalroyd summoned his follower to ride
beside him.

"On the whole, Joseph," said he, "I prefer to have a man of
your--infinite possibilities beside me, at my elbow---within reach.
Besides, I'm in the mood for conversation, let us talk, creature."
Joseph's heavy brow grew rather more lowering and he kept his gaze bent
obsequiously on the dust of the way as he drew level with his master,
who had reined his horse to a gentle, ambling pace.

"You were educated above your station, Joseph--the law, I think?"

"Yes, sir."

"Owing to your mothe