“Mr. Hedges, I’ve been waiting here—­hiding, if you like to call it so,” was the answer; and it should be observed that the man’s manner, quite unlike his usual rough, devil-may-care tone, was characterized by singular respect and earnestness.  To hear him, and not see him, you might think you were listening to some staid and respectable friend of the family.  “I have been standing there this hour past, keeping behind the pillar while other folk went in and out, and waiting my time to speak to you.”

“To me?” repeated Hedges.

“Yes, sir.  I want you to grant me a favour; and I hope you’ll pardon my boldness in asking it.”

Hedges did not know what to make of this.  It was the first time he had enjoyed the honour of a personal interview with Mr. Pike; and the contrast between that gentleman’s popular reputation and his present tone and manner struck the butler as exceedingly singular.  But that the butler was in a very softened mood, feeling full of subdued charity towards all the world, he might not have condescended to parley with the man.

“What is the favour?” he inquired.

“I want you to let me in to see the poor young earl—­what’s left of him.”

“Let you in to see the earl!” echoed Hedges in surprise.  “I never heard such a bold request.”

“It is bold.  I’ve already said so, and asked you to pardon it.”

“What can you want that for?  It can’t be for nothing but curiosity; and—­”

“It’s not curiosity,” interrupted Pike, with an emphasis that told upon his hearer.  “I have a different motive, sir; and a good motive.  If I were at liberty to tell it—­which I’m not—­you’d let me in without another word.  Lots of people have been seeing him, I suppose.”

“Indeed they have not.  Why should they?  It is a bold thing for you to come and ask it.”

“Did he come by his death fairly?” whispered the man.

“Good heavens!” exclaimed the butler, stepping back aghast.  “I don’t think you know what you are talking about.  Who would harm Lord Hartledon?”

“Let me see him,” implored the man.  “It can’t hurt him or anybody else.  Only just for a minute, sir, in your presence.  And if it’s ever in my power to do you a good turn, Mr. Hedges, I’ll do it.  It doesn’t seem likely now; but the mouse gnawed the lion’s net, you know, and set him free.”

Whether it was the strange impressiveness with which the request was proffered, or that the softened mood of Hedges rendered him incapable of contention, certain it was that he granted it; and most likely would wonder at himself for it all his after-life.  Crossing the hall with silent tread, and taking up a candle as he went, he led the way to the room; Mr. Pike stepping after him with a tread equally silent.

“Take your hat off,” peremptorily whispered the butler; for that worthy had entered the room with it on.  “Is that the way to—­”

“Hedges!”