"
"What can you want that for? It can't be for nothing but curiosity;
and--"
"It's not curiosity," interrupted Pike, with an emphasis that told upon
his hearer. "I have a different motive, sir; and a good motive. If I were
at liberty to tell it--which I'm not--you'd let me in without another
word. Lots of people have been seeing him, I suppose."
"Indeed they have not. Why should they? It is a bold thing for _you_ to
come and ask it."
"Did he come by his death fairly?" whispered the man.
"Good heavens!" exclaimed the butler, stepping back aghast. "I don't
think you know what you are talking about. Who would harm Lord
Hartledon?"
"Let me see him," implored the man. "It can't hurt him or anybody else.
Only just for a minute, sir, in your presence. And if it's ever in my
power to do you a good turn, Mr. Hedges, I'll do it. It doesn't seem
likely now; but the mouse gnawed the lion's net, you know, and set him
free."
Whether it was the strange impressiveness with which the request was
proffered, or that the softened mood of Hedges rendered him incapable of
contention, certain it was that he granted it; and most likely would
wonder at himself for it all his after-life. Crossing the hall with
silent tread, and taking up a candle as he went, he led the way to the
room; Mr. Pike stepping after him with a tread equally silent.
"Take your hat off," peremptorily whispered the butler; for that worthy
had entered the room with it on.
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