bed. Then a slight gust of air partially swept aside a hanging curtain,
which rustled like silk, and I caught a brief glimpse of the adjacent
parlor. It was likewise unillumined, but the door leading into the
front hall stood ajar, and through that opening there poured a stream
of radiance, together with the incessant hum of many voices in animated
conversation, the deep blare of the band, with the ceaseless movement
of dancing feet.

Satisfying myself by sense of touch that the bed was unoccupied, for I
was far too experienced a soldier to leave an enemy in my rear, I crept
cautiously forward to the intercepting curtain, and drawing it aside
took careful survey of the outer apartment. It was a large and
handsomely furnished room, a polished mahogany writing-table littered
with papers occupying a prominent position against the farther wall. A
swivel chair stood beside it, and across its back hung what appeared to
be a suit of clothing. I saw no other signs of human occupancy.

Convinced that the apartment was deserted, and discovering no different
means of egress, I crossed the room on tiptoe, and peered cautiously
out into the hall. It was not a pleasing prospect to one in my
predicament. The lower portion, judging from the incessant hum of
voices, was filled with people, who were either unable to find place
within the crowded ballroom, or else preferred greater retirement for
conversation. Even the wide stairway had been partially pre-empted, a
young lieutenant, as I judged from his shoulder-straps, sitting just
beneath the landing, whispering eagerly into the attentive ear of a
pronounced blonde who shared the broad carpeted step with him.

I drew back noiselessly, to figure out the situation and determine what
was best for me to attempt. It would be sheer madness to venture upon a