Page 24 (1/2)

I ran to theand peered out into the night

The wood through which we had approached the house

seereat tree

brushed the panes I was tugging at the fastening of

the hen I beca happen, sir?"

His unbroken calh aand I had narrowly escaped

being shot I resented the unconcern hich this

servant accepted the situation

"Nothing worthSomebody tried to assassinate

me, that's all," I said, in a voice that failed

to be cal at the catch

of the

"Allow me, sir,"-and he threw up the sash with an

ease that increased my irritation

I leaned out and tried to find some clue to my assailant

Bates opened anotherand surveyed the

dark landscape with me

"It was a shot from without, was it, sir?"

"Of course it was; you didn't suppose I shot at myself,

did you?"

He examined the broken pane and picked up the bullet

from the table

"It's a rifle-ball, I should say"

The bullet was half-flattened by its contact with the