Pratt sat alone in his library. He was not reading, for although he had many books he rarely looked into one of them. He collected rare editions, he indulged in gorgeous bindings, and placed all his gatherings on shelves behind glass doors. It was the look of the thing Pratt liked. If his collection had been so many volumes of blank pages he would have been just as well pleased. As the evening was cold there was a fire in the steel grate. The room looked comfortable and luxurious. It was decorated in dark red, with bookcases of rosewood, and many busts of celebrated men. On the desk stood a reading lamp, and this was the only light in the room. Before the desk sat Pratt. He was playing with a small pile of precious stones which he had shaken out of a leathern belt. The jewels gleamed in the light with rainbow hues, and Pratt fingered them with loving care, recalling where each one had been bought and found. He was crazy about his gems, but never showed them to anyone. Moreover, in addition to his liking for such things, it was a portable way of carrying about his wealth. The door opened softly and a servant entered. Pratt did not turn his head, for he knew the footstep. But when he heard that Leo wished to see him, he poured the jewels back into the belt, flung it into a drawer and told Adam--that was the man's name--to admit Mr Haverleigh. Adam was a tall, soldierly looking man, of the fair Saxon type. He had been with Mr Pratt for years, knew all his secrets and was absolutely devoted to him. As well he might be, for Pratt had once saved his life. Adam never forgot the obligation, and was Pratt's devoted slave. "Hullo, Leo!" said Pratt, rising, when the young man entered the room. "Where did you come from?" "From London, if you want to be precise," said Leo, after shaking hands. "My bag is in the hall, Pratt." "What? Have you not been to the castle?" "I have been there, and I have come away. In fact, Pratt, she has turned me out at last. I always knew that it would come to this." As Leo sat down Pratt frowned, and when he frowned he did not look pleased. "Ah!" said he, calmly, "so she has turned you out--on account of this theft, I suppose?" "Yes. It is the first I ever heard of it!" said Leo, looking up. "Your wire said nothing about such an accusation. I don't suppose you could very well have mentioned it in a telegram. However, Mrs Gabriel insisted that I had stolen the cup and sold it in London in order to pay my debts. We had a few words on the subject and parted. I am now here to ask you for a bed!" "My dear fellow, you shall stay here as long as you please. Let me ring for Adam to bring you some supper!" and Pratt touched the bell. "A few sandwiches and a glass of port will be sufficient," said Leo. "I am not in the humour to eat. By the way," as Adam entered, "I see he has got back?" "Who? Adam? Yes. Where did you meet him?"