When he could see it no longer, he ordered sharply,
“Shut the door!”
The footman obeyed him and thrust home two bolts besides turning the key in the lock.
The Duke then spoke more quietly.
He told them what had happened tonight was not to be repeated to anyone in the house or outside the house.
He said that, if they disobeyed him, they would be instantly dismissed without a reference.
“That is something I have never said before to anyone in my employment,” he said, “but, as this is a very serious matter, I want you to promise me on your word of honour that you will never speak of it to anyone under any circumstances.”
“I gives you me word of honour, Your Grace,” the nightwatchman said and the footman echoed him.
Then, when the Duke would have walked away, he asked,
“Where did that
