"Oh yes--certain," was the whispered answer. "And now, John, you'll try, won't you? You will try to keep away from the drink and get on? and--Please don't hold me so tightly." "Yes, yes--all right. I'll try," he whispered, excitedly--"but be quiet; don't struggle. I'm not going to hurt you, you little fool. There, be quiet!" Jane's heart beat more violently than ever, and she panted as his arm grasped her more tightly. There was a strange excitement creeping through her frame, she knew not why; but she felt that something was wrong, though no suspicion of what was impending had yet flashed across her mind. "Tell me quickly," he said now, "has the new butler come?" "No," she answered, still panting heavily. "Master's been too ill to see about such matters." "Does any one sleep in the pantry?" "No," said Jane; "but why do you ask?" For response Gurdon gave utterance to a low, sharp cough; when, gazing wonderingly at him, as if for explanation of his coldness, a faint rustle fell upon Jane's ears; there was a step outside, and as she started to close the door the blackened faces of two men appeared. A half-uttered groan passed her lips, and a horrible feeling of despair clutched her heart, as at one glance she saw that she had been betrayed, and that the man she loved was a greater scoundrel than she could have believed. It was all plain enough: she had been deluded into admitting an enemy--into playing false to her master; and these men would plunder the house--perhaps murder somebody before they got off with their booty. She thought not of herself; her whole aim now was to alarm the inmates, and as her lips parted she would have uttered a shriek, but that it was too late, for Gurdon's hand was over her mouth, pressing it tightly-- almost to suffocation, and the next instant she was thrown upon the floor. "Make so much as a sound, and one of these men will make an end of you as soon as look at you!" hissed Gurdon, tearing off her apron and thrusting it into her mouth. "Now, then, you proud jade, I've got the better of you this time, drat you; and as soon as we've done, you shall follow where I like. Here, Joe, stop with her, and if she moves, stun her with your preserver. She's my property now. Come along, Harry, this way."