"You will sleep here," Sir Everard said. "My room is near, and I am a
light sleeper. To-morrow morning at five I will rouse you. Until then
adieu, and pleasant dreams."

He swung out and closed the door, and not once had he seen the face of
his guest. That guest stood in the center of the handsome chamber, and
gazed around.

"At last!" he hisses between his set white teeth--"at last, after two
years' weary waiting! At last, oh! my mother, the time has come for me
to keep my vow!"

He raised one arm with a tragic gesture, removed the slouched hat, and
stood uncovered in the tranquil half light.

The face was wonderfully handsome, of gypsy darkness, and the eyes
shone like black stars; but a scarlet handkerchief was bound tightly
around his head, and concealed every vestige of hair. With a slow
smile creeping round his mouth, the boy took his handkerchief off.

"To-morrow he will come and call me, but to-morrow I shall not leave
Kingsland Court. No, my dear young baronet, I have not saved your life
for nothing! I shall have the honor of remaining your guest for some
time."




CHAPTER IX.