collapse. The sight of their expectation made him feel how flat and
childish his story would sound. I, who had shared his adventure,
understood his embarrassment, but the others were evidently at a
loss to do so, for they glanced askance at each other as he
hesitated, and only looked back when I ventured to say:

"It's the peculiarity of the occurrence which affects my husband.
The thing we saw may mean nothing."

"Let us hear what it was and we will judge."

Then my husband spoke up, and related our little experience. If it
did not create a sensation, it was because these men were well
accustomed to surprises of all kinds.

"Washed his hands--a gentleman--out there in the snow--just
after the alarm was raised here?" repeated one.

"And you saw him come out of this house?" another put in.

"Yes, sir; we noticed him particularly."

"Can you describe him?"

It was Mr. Slater who put this question; he had less control over
himself, and considerable eagerness could be heard in his voice.

"He was a very fine-looking man; unusually tall and unusually
striking both in his dress and appearance. What I could see of
his face was bare of beard, and very expressive. He walked with