where greater protection could be assured. Doubtless Brennan was
unwilling to have them away from him; possibly he even continued to
hold them where they were to prevent all possibility of their meeting
with me. It was this last thought, improbable as it surely was, which
put me on my mettle. If that was has little scheme, and to my suspicion
it looked like it, I was not unwilling to play a hand in the game. I
might not hold trumps, yet I could bluff as well as any one.

I had barely arrived at this point in my musing when opportunity for
action came. A man groped his way in from the lighted hall, but halted
close beside the door, unable to perceive us in the darkness.

"Is Captain Wayne here?" he asked.

"Yes; what is it?"

"Major Brennan has had two of his men hit, sir, and wishes you to spare
him three of yours, unless you are hotly pressed."

"All right; there 's nothing doing here," I answered, instantly
determining upon my course. "Corporal, I shall leave you in command of
this side for a few minutes. I believe I can be of more immediate value
elsewhere, Bungay, you and Elliott come with me."

The lower hall, having no windows in it, was the only safe place in the
building, and here a light had been kept burning. The door which, as I
judged, must lead into the back parlor, was closed, and fastened upon
the inside. At least it refused to yield to my hand when tried. Another
in front stood very slightly ajar.