a louder voice - for his quick eye had caught a glimpse of a
face that watched them from the window - "I play the King of
Spades!" he cried, with meaning look.

A blow was struck upon the door, and with it came the command
to "Open in the King's name!" Softly Sir Crispin rapped out an
oath. Then he rose, and with a last look of warning to
Kenneth, he went to open. And as he had greeted Hogan he now
greeted the crowd mainly of soldiers - that surged about the
threshold.

"Sirs, why this ado? Hath the Sultan Oliver descended upon
us?"

In one hand he still held his cards, the other he rested upon
the edge of the open door. It was a young ensign who stood
forward to answer him.

"One of Lord Middleton's officers hath done a man to death not
half an hour agone; he is an Irishman Captain Hogan by name."

"Hogan - Hogan?" repeated Crispin, after the manner of one who
fumbles in his memory. "Ah, yes - an Irishman with a grey head
and a hot temper. And he is dead, you say?"

"Nay, he has done the killing."

"That I can better understand. 'Tis not the first time, I'll
be sworn."