"You have forgotten, doubtless," he said. "You were rescued from a band of villains nearly a fortnight since. It seems that one of them must have fired at you, since there was a slight wound where you just put your hand, that was doubtless made by a bullet." Nell Darrel was beginning to remember the scene in the cellar. "I was rescued, you say? Who were the rescuers?" "Myself among others. I think you may safely acknowledge that you owe your life to me," said the New Yorker coolly. "And Dyke?" questioned Nell with intense eagerness. "Was saved also, but he is badly hurt, and will be laid up for a month or more. He is in one of the city hospitals." "Oh, sir, I am thankful it is no worse. What have they done with the villains, that sleek one with the red hair and beard?" "They are all in prison, and will be brought to court as soon as the witnesses are in a condition to appear against them." "The witnesses?" "Dyke Darrel and yourself." "Can I go to Dyke?" "Hardly," he answered with a smile. "You could not walk, that is certain, and I am sure to attempt to ride would prove a dangerous experiment. I am too deeply interested in your welfare to permit the attempt." "But I am quite strong, I assure you," returned Nell, rising to her feet only to sink back again with a cry of piteous weakness. "You see, it would not do to attempt leaving your room at present," said the villain, still smiling. Besides, there is no need of it. Your brother is doing as well as could be expected, and he has the assurance that you are out of danger, which has proved a great comfort to him, I assure you. "Well, I suppose I ought to be thankful," sighed Nell, with tears in her dark eyes. "I cannot understand it all just now. It seems strange that I should be subject to such treatment. Do you know the man Sims?" "Sims?" "The one with the red beard and hair. He met me at the depot." "Exactly. I cannot say that I know the fellow, but I suspect he is a scoundrel of the first water. Don't bother your head about these things now, Nell. Try and get rested and strong, so that you can get from here and back to your own home as soon as possible. I hope you do not fear to trust me?" He eyed her keenly at the last. She was too weak to fully realize the enormity of this man's offense. She knew nothing of his connection with, the ruffians who made of Mrs. Scarlet's building a rendezvous; she only knew that he had been indiscreet and insulting once, when in liquor, but of this he might have repented long since. At any rate, he seemed to be doing her a good turn now, and she could do no other way than trust him. "I am still puzzled about one thing," she said, seeming to forget the question he had propounded. "What is that?" asked Elliston. "Why was I brought here?" "Simply because you were not able to be taken home." "But the hospital----"