side of the house and looked upon the river, which was not more than a
couple of hundred yards from the terrace or platform on which it stood.
The ground here sloped rapidly to the banks, and, like that in the
front, was a wilderness with rock and patches of tall fern and thickets
of thorn and bramble, with a few trees of great size. Nor was wild life
wanting in this natural park; some deer were feeding near the bank,
while on the water numbers of wild duck and other water-fowl were
disporting themselves, splashing and flapping over the surface and
uttering shrill cries.

The people of the house were already assembled, standing and sitting by
the small tables. There was a lively hum of conversation, which ceased
on my entrance; then those who were sitting stood up and the whole
company fixed its eyes on me, which was rather disconcerting.

The old gentleman, standing in the midst of the people, now bent on me a
long, scrutinizing gaze; he appeared to be waiting for me to speak, and,
finding that I remained silent, he finally addressed me with solemnity.
"Smith," he said--and I did not like it--"the meeting with you today was
to me and to all of us a very strange experience: I little thought that
an even stranger one awaited me, that before you break bread in this
house in which you have found shelter, I should have to remind you that
you are now in a house."

"Yes, I know I am," I said, and then added: "I'm sure, sir, I appreciate
your kindness in bringing me here."

He had perhaps expected something more or something entirely different
from me, as he continued standing with his eyes fixed on me. Then with a
sigh, and looking round him, he said in a dissatisfied tone: "My