Nightspore cast one of his odd looks at him. "It's called locally
'The Drum Taps of Sorgie.' You will not hear that name again, but
perhaps you will hear the sound again."

"And if I do, what will it imply?" demanded Maskull in amazement.

"It bears its own message. Only try always to hear it more and more
distinctly.... Now it's growing dark, and we must get back."

Maskull pulled out his watch automatically, and looked at the time.
It was past six.... But he was thinking of Nightspore's words, and
not of the time.

Night had already fallen by the time they regained the tower. The
black sky was glorious with liquid stars. Arcturus was a little way
above the sea, directly opposite them, in the east. As they were
passing the base of the tower, Maskull observed with a sudden shock
that the gate was open. He caught hold of Nightspore's arm
violently. "Look! Krag is back."

"Yes, we must make haste to the house."

"And why not the tower? He's probably in there, since the gate is
open. I'm going up to look."

Nightspore grunted, but made no opposition.

All was pitch-black inside the gate. Maskull struck a match, and
the flickering light disclosed the lower end of a circular flight of
stone steps. "Are you coming up?" he asked.