Pagina 453 van 657

"'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress

the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing

what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully

into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I

trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at

Eyford at 11:15.'

"'I shall certainly be there.'

"'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long,

questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank

grasp, he hurried from the room.