unscrewed his flask and had a generous swig. As he was
screwing on the top again, the Baron, in a less haughty
voice, whispered

"Perhaps jost vun leetle taste."

They felt now for a few minutes more aggressively
disposed.

"Ve need not have ze curtain shut," said the Baron.
"Soppose you do draw him?"

Through the gloom Mr. Gallosh took one or two
faltering steps.

"Man, it's awful hard to see one's way," he said
nervously.

The Baron took the candle, and with a martial stride
escorted him to the window. They pulled aside one
corner of the heavy curtain, and then let it fall again
and hurried back. So far north there was indeed a
gleam of daylight left, but it was such a pale and
ghostly ray, and the wreaths of mist swept so eerily
and silently across the pane, that candle-light and shadows
seemed vastly preferable.

"How much more time will there be?" whispered
Mr. Gallosh presently.