The man nodded, but did not speak. "The late owner was a lady," I said, speaking more calmly than I had thought myself capable. "I used to know her. Miss Ruth Morton was her name. I have a message of great importance; but you say she's dead." Again the servant looked at me keenly. "I know Mr. Inch too," I went on, "and I must see him. Perhaps he was not as faithful to his mistress as he should have been; he must answer me that." This I said as one in a dream, for I had not thought of it before. It caused a light to flash from the man's eyes, however, and he spoke more freely. "I will tell Mr. Inch you are here," he said, "and I will answer any question I can. I have been a servant in this house all my life, and I loved Miss Ruth like as if she were my own child." "Did she ever live here after her father's death?" I asked. "Not until she came of age; then she used to come here through the summer months, but returned to Trewinion, I believe, because of her father's wish." "What did your mistress die of?" I asked, abruptly. The old man was silent. "Can you not tell me?" I urged. "I cannot," he said, stiffly. "I dare say you could know by applying to the doctor." I could not help noticing a strange look in his eyes as he spoke, but I said quietly. "Then you will, perhaps, tell Mr. Inch I wish to see him." "Yes sir. What name?" "No name." "No name? He will not see you." "Tell him a friend of the Trewinion family wishes to see him." He gave me a searching look and then went away, and in a minute more came back and showed me into a room, telling me that Mr. Inch would see me immediately. I had not to wait long. Soon I heard a slow, measured step along the hall; then the handle of the door turned, and Mr. Inch and I were gazing steadily into each other's face. CHAPTER XX "VISIT HER TOMB" O, how blest are ye whose toils are ended! Who through death have to God ascended! Ye have risen From the cares which keep us still in prison. --LONGFELLOW. "I am at your service for a few minutes," he said stiffly; "but our interview must be short, for I have much to do." "And I have much to speak to you about," I said, still confused as to the issues of our interview, but dimly feeling that he was in some way responsible for Ruth's death. "I am ignorant as to what it can be," he said, looking at me curiously, "for certainly I do not remember ever seeing you before." "You do not remember," I said, "but you have nevertheless seen me." "Yes?" he said, still questioningly. "Yes!" I replied. "I am at present travelling like that ancient god of night whom men call Nemesis. I was for years lost to the earth, now I am come back, if not to restore the righteous to their true position, at any rate to punish betrayers and oppressors, and you are both a betrayer and an oppressor." "Do you know to whom you are speaking?" "Yes." "Then I will call a servant and see that you are shown off the premises."