"Nonsense," he said roughly. "He's tired
out; that's all. Still, let's take him up and clear out. You take his
legs and Barnes will lead the way with the candle. Yes? Who's that?"
He looked up quickly towards the door. "Thought I heard somebody tap,"
he said with a shamefaced laugh. "Now, Lester, up with him. One, two--
Lester! Lester!"
He sprang forward too late; Lester, with his face buried in his arms, had
rolled over on the floor fast asleep, and his utmost efforts failed to
awaken him.
"He--is--asleep," he stammered. "'Asleep!"
Barnes, who had taken the candle from the mantel-piece, stood peering at
the sleepers in silence and dropping tallow over the floor.
[Illustration: "Barnes, stood peering at the sleepers in silence and
dropping tallow over the floor."]
"We must get out of this," said Meagle. "Quick!" Barnes hesitated. "We
can't leave them here--" he began.
"We must," said Meagle in strident tones. "If you go to sleep I shall
go--Quick! Come."
He seized the other by the arm and strove to drag him to the door.
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