questions and cross-questions from scowling and
savage men that quite alarmed me. But I was un
suspicious, and answered naturally and promptly all
that was asked.
I was very weary. I could hardly keep awake, and asked to be allowed to retire.
" You must not leave this room," said Lockhart savagely. The truth came upon me like a revela tion. I was a prisoner. Lockhart, who was half drunk, now began to talk very loud, swore furi ously, and wanted to murder me on the spot. I hid my face in my hands.
This, then, was the reward for my dangerous descent into the Valley of Death ! This, then, was to be my compensation for all I had dared and endured !
I could not answer another question. All this is painful to remember and difficult to write.
