He heard a sudden start in the gloom, and strained his eyes to see.
The single lamp was now smoking so badly, and cast such a wavering
glow..... He saw the orderly, crouched like a frightened child at the
foot of the impenetrable door. The Lieutenant took a breath, then
chose his course.
"Peace, Master Cummings," he said to him. "I haven't come to kill you.
Stand against the far wall if it will make your mind easier. I'm going
to let you out."
"But you. . .you murdered
him." Almost a sob.
"Not I, my friend. It was that bastard, Purceville, who done it before
I could stop him. And that'll be an end to my faithful service, I
promise you. After all these years' blind obedience, I see him now in
his true colors. I tell you, I've had enough."
He came forward with the ring of keys in his hand, as the other moved
distrustfully away. He inserted the iron shaft, turned it in the lock,
and pulled open the door with a seditious crack like the unsealing of
a coffin. Then stood away.
The orderly eyed the opening, torn between desire and fear.
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