Then came a crucial moment. Jermain pulled the key from the lock. Boyd held in his hand another key of Andrew's searching out, one closely like it. Only a sober and sharp eye would detect imposture. To make the change was a matter of adroitness, but its success involved the discovery of the trick before morning, unless cunning could accomplish a second change. Luckily, Boyd did not have to effect the first one. "Take the key, Roxley," said Jermain, yawning, "put it in your pocket, and don't open the door, no matter what you hear, without calling me. Boyd has stowed me not far off--I'll show you." In his heart the derelict young captain was glad to throw any responsibilities of the night upon his favorite's shoulders. "Dawkin and I lie here?" inquired Roxley, disposing of the key. "Ay. Keep on your clothes, of course--I shall. There's a bed, and that great sofa--you can give Dawkin that. You'd best go and help him up now." Roxley departed with an uncertain step. "Fetch your trusty henchman now, if you will, Boyd," assented Jermain, wearily. "I--I'll pay him for it to-morrow. I ought to have looked sharper after these soldiers of mine." The die was cast. If he still were resolved Lord Armitage might come. And Roxley held the key. Boyd vanished. Jermain gaped tremendously, sank into a seat, and leaned his spinning head upon his palm. Roxley came in with Dawkin and succeeded in getting him, still somnolent, upon the sofa, Jermain dozing in his chair while this performance was got through with. "Push up his long legs, Roxley," he advised--"that's it! I shall be glad to push up mine, I'm sure. My report must be--a--well, a loose affair, if I have to draw out one. Whe-e-w!" and the captain groaned. "How fagged I am! Here's Boyd, at last." Behind Gilbert slouched an ill-kempt peasant, whose age was undistinguishable, armed with a pair of pistols and a cutlass. His hair hung low over his forehead. "Found somebody, did you?" inquired Jermain, rousing himself and bestowing a single glance on Sir Geoffry. "Well, my man, we rely upon your eyes and ears for at least the forepart of the night; until Mr. Roxley relieves you--if he does. Call him, call me, if you hear or see aught amiss, within or without. Do you understand?" A clumsy nod was the supposed servant's reply. Boyd, unwilling to open his lips in this danger-fraught moment, lighted Captain Jermain away, and beneath his grim brows looked at the three thus face to face. It seemed incredible that the men whose meeting, an hour or so earlier, seemed such an accident of dread, could, in this moment, be contrived with but a fraction of risk to one of them!