"What is the matter?" I cried, hurriedly. "What have you seen, what--"
"Let me alone for awhile," he interrupted, speaking in a thick, hoarse
whisper; then immediately asked, "Is that the library with the windows
nearest the river?"
"Yes," I answered.
"I want to go into that room," he said, still in the same tone.
"Not now," I entreated. "Sit down and compose yourself; we will go into
it, if you like, before you leave."
"Now, now--this minute," he persisted. "I tell you, Patterson, I must
see what is in it."
Attempting no further opposition, I lit a couple of candles, and giving
one into his hand, led the way to the door of the library, which I
unlocked and flung wide open.
To one particular part Munro directed his steps, casting the light
from his candle on the carpet, peering around in search of something
he hoped, and yet still feared, to see. Then he went to the shutters
and examined the fastenings, and finding all well secured, made a
sign for me to precede him out of the room. At the door he paused,
and took one more look into the darkness of the apartment, after
which he waited while I turned the key in the lock, accompanying me
back across the hall.
When we were once more in the drawing-room, I renewed my inquiry as to
what he had seen; but he bade me let him alone, and sat mopping great
beads of perspiration off his forehead, till, unable to endure the
mystery any longer, I said:
"Munro, whatever it may be that you have seen, tell me all, I entreat.
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