第453页 / 共657页

"'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.