CHAPTER III

As Lord Brandon and his guests disappeared within Brandon Hall there came a ring at the entrance gate. A servant, opening it, admitted Humble Sycamore, who, lingering without, had been waiting to see the coast clear before entering. The astute Sycamore, being of an ambitious turn of mind, believed in taking thought for his own advancement as well as that of his master's business, and on this visit to Brandon Hall he meant to serve both ends, giving his own the preference. "His lordship's engaged at present, Mr. Syc…