"Yes, yes. I must have the picture done," said Garsworth, and, rising to his feet, he left the room, followed by Beaumont, who saw the white face of Patience peering from the shadow and frowning at him in a menacing manner. Placing his finger on his lips to enforce silence, he glided past her down the wide stairs, across the hall and into the drawing-room, where he found the squire had once more re-established himself in his chair. "Well," said Beaumont to himself, "there seems to be some chance of making use of this secret, but I can't do it without the help of Patience, so I must see her. Meanwhile, I'll wake the squire." He crossed over to the squire and touched his face with his own cold hands, upon which the old man started violently. He then spoke loudly into his ear: "Mr. Garsworth!" The somnambulist opened his eyes, and a confused expression appeared on his face as he looked at Beaumont. "Do you feel better?" asked the artist, gently. "Yes," answered the squire, slowly passing his hand over his forehead. "The pain is gone, but I feel very tired." "It's always the case in hypnotism." "How long have I been asleep?" "About a quarter-of-an-hour," replied Beaumont, glancing at his watch. "Were you dreaming at all? Hypnotism usually produces dreams." "Aha!" said Garsworth, cunningly, "I was dreaming of my secret. I did not speak in my sleep, did I?" he asked, in sudden terror. "No, you were perfectly quiet," answered the artist, going back to his seat. "I feel too tired to sit any more," observed Garsworth, rising with a great effort. "I must lie down. Hypnotism seems to exhaust the body very much." "It does, of course; it acts physically." The squire, with the aid of his stick, moved painfully to the door, leaving Beaumont smiling at the picture before him. CHAPTER XX. WHEN IN DOUBT, PLAY TRUMPS. Life is a game The keenest wins. Repute or shame. Life is a game; We give or claim For virtues, sins; Life is a game The keenest wins Beaumont was perfectly satisfied with the result of his experiment, as he had discovered the squire's secret, and had yet succeeded in keeping him in ignorance of his having done so. With the keen intellect of a man accustomed to live by his wits, he had, during his rapid survey of the papers, seen the chances of turning the secret to his own advantage. But to do so he required the co-operation of Patience, and this he was doubtful of obtaining.