‘Yes,’ I answered. ‘I returned to fetch a book I forgot to take with me. I suppose you have heard what we’ve been about in the library here?’ ‘I have been partially informed of it,’ he answered, stiffly. ‘But I have heard also that you contemplate a raid upon the armoury. I beg you will let the weapons alone.’ I had said something of the sort to Clara that very morning. ‘I have a special regard for them,’ he went on; ‘and I don’t want them meddled with. It’s not every one knows how to handle them. Some amongst them I would not have injured for their weight in diamonds. One in particular I should like to give you the history of--just to show you that I am right in being careful over them.--Here comes the light.’ I presume it had been hurriedly arranged between them as Clara left him that she should send one of the maids, who in consequence now made her appearance with a candle. Brotherton took it from her and approached the wall. ‘Why! What the devil! Some one has been meddling already, I find! The very sword I speak of is gone! There’s the sheath hanging empty! What _can_ it mean? Do you know anything of this, Mr Cumbermede?’ ‘I do, Mr Brotherton. The sword to which that sheath belongs is _mine_. I have it.’ ‘_Yours!_’ he shouted; then restraining himself, added in a tone of utter contempt--‘This is rather too much. Pray, sir, on what grounds do you lay claim to the smallest atom of property within these walls? My father ought to have known what he was about when he let you have the run of the house! And the old books, too! By heaven, it’s too much! I always thought--’ ‘It matters little to me what you think, Mr Brotherton--so little that I do not care to take any notice of your insolence--’ ‘Insolence!’ he roared, striding towards me, as if he would have knocked me down. I was not his match in strength, for he was at least two inches taller than I, and of a coarse-built, powerful frame. I caught a light rapier from the wall, and stood on my defence. ‘Coward!’ he cried. ‘There are more where this came from,’ I answered, pointing to the wall. He made no move towards arming himself, but stood glaring at me in a white rage. ‘I am prepared to prove,’ I answered as calmly as I could, ‘that the sword to which you allude is mine. But I will give _you_ no explanation. If you will oblige me by asking your father to join us, I will tell him the whole story.’ ‘I will have a warrant out against you.’ ‘As you please. I am obliged to you for mentioning it. I shall be ready. I have the sword, and intend to keep it. And by the way, I had better secure the scabbard as well,’ I added, as with a sudden spring I caught it also from the wall, and again stood prepared. He ground his teeth with rage. He was one of those who, trusting to their superior strength, are not much afraid of a row, but cannot face cold steel: soldier as he had been, it made him nervous. ‘Insulted in my own house!’ he snarled from between his teeth.