Here we were interrupted in a very startling way. Outside the house came the sound of a pistol-shot; the glass of the window was shattered with a bullet, which, ricochetting from the top of the embrasure, struck the far wall of the room. I am afraid I am at heart a coward, for I shrieked out. The men all jumped to their feet; Lord Godalming flew over to the window and threw up the sash. As he did so we heard

Mr.

Morris’s voice without:⁠—

“Sorry! I fear I have alarmed you. I shall come in and tell you about it.” A minute later he came in and said:⁠—