himself an undoubted Englishman; but by his remarks it was clear
that he had first known Douglas in America and had there lived on
intimate terms with him. He appeared to be a man of considerable
wealth, and was reputed to be a bachelor.

In age he was rather younger than Douglas--forty-five at the
most--a tall, straight, broad-chested fellow with a clean-shaved,
prize-fighter face, thick, strong, black eyebrows, and a pair of
masterful black eyes which might, even without the aid of his
very capable hands, clear a way for him through a hostile crowd.
He neither rode nor shot, but spent his days in wandering round
the old village with his pipe in his mouth, or in driving with
his host, or in his absence with his hostess, over the beautiful
countryside. "An easy-going, free-handed gentleman," said Ames,
the butler. "But, my word! I had rather not be the man that
crossed him!" He was cordial and intimate with Douglas, and he
was no less friendly with his wife--a friendship which more than
once seemed to cause some irritation to the husband, so that even
the servants were able to perceive his annoyance. Such was the
third person who was one of the family when the catastrophe
occurred.

As to the other denizens of the old building, it will suffice out
of a large household to mention the prim, respectable, and
capable Ames, and Mrs. Allen, a buxom and cheerful person, who
relieved the lady of some of her household cares. The other six
servants in the house bear no relation to the events of the night
of January 6th.

It was at eleven forty-five that the first alarm reached the