Before going to bed that night Torrence told me that he should probably be absent a couple of days attending to the final equipment of the machine; and when I bid him good-night it was with the understanding that we should not meet for a day or two. He would certainly return before the end of the week; and I was to have everything ready for leaving at a moment’s notice, as he was anxious there should be no delay. That was on Tuesday. Imagine, therefore, my surprise upon seeing him enter my bedroom at a late hour Wednesday night. I had been in bed long enough to fall asleep, and was aroused by a light shining in my eyes. There was a strange look in Torry’s face, and I started up alarmed. "Hello!" I cried, jumping up. "What’s the matter? Has any thing happened?" Torrence put his finger to his lips and said: "Hush! Be quiet! Don’t be scared, but get up at once and do as I tell you without losing a moment’s time!" I did as I was bid; and dressed as hurriedly as possible, not doubting but the climax I had so long dreaded had come at last. "We must be off immediately," said he, as I was putting the finishing touches to my toilet. There was something too dead earnest in his look and manner to permit of a single question. "The trunks are quite ready," I observed; my teeth chattering with excitement. "Damn the trunks! We must leave them behind. Have you the package?" I showed it to him, sewed in my pocket. Torrence looked at his watch. "What o’clock is it?" I inquired. "Nearly one," he answered reflectively, and then turning to me, he added with a look I shall never forget. "Now, Gurt, if you have any nerve, I shall expect you to show it, No flunking or crawling, mind! Do exactly as I say, and without question or hesitation." I nodded assent, for I could not speak. I saw something bulky under his coat, and wondered what it could be; but it was no time for such an inquiry. Torrence then opened the door into the hall softly, and put out the light. "Follow me; but walk quietly and don’t speak a word," he said, leading the way.