Some one else had come there before
him, in search of the same thing; for he saw two dark figures
standing within it as he entered.
"A sudden storm," was Ormiston's salutation, "and a furious one.
There go the fires - hiss and splutter. I knew how it would be."
"Then Saul and Mr. Ormiston are among the prophets?"
Ormiston had heard that voice before; it was associated in his
mind with a slouched hat and shadowy cloak; and by the fast-
fading flicker of the firelight, he saw that both were here. The
speaker wan Count L'Estrange; the figure beside him, slender and
boyish, was unknown.
"You have the advantage of me, sir," he said affecting ignorance.
"May I ask who you are?"
"Certainly. A gentlemen, by courtesy and the grace of God."
"And your name?"
"Count L'Estrange, at your service."
Ormiston lifted his cap and bowed, with a feeling somehow, that
the count was a man in authority.
"Mr. Ormiston assisted in doing a good deed, tonight, for a
friend of mine," said the count.
"Will he add to that obligation by telling me if he has not
discovered her again, and brought her back?"
"Do you refer to the fair lady in yonder house?"
"So she is there? I thought so, George," said the count,
addressing himself to his companion.
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