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diff --git a/old/67078-0.txt b/old/67078-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 547db14..0000000 --- a/old/67078-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13813 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Lady from Long Acre, by Victor -Bridges - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Lady from Long Acre - -Author: Victor Bridges - -Illustrator: Ray Rohn - -Release Date: January 2, 2022 [eBook #67078] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Al Haines - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LADY FROM LONG ACRE *** - - - - - - - -[Frontispiece: Then, just in the nick of time, he turned to meet the -driver of the cart. There was no chance of repeating his former -tactics, for the sheer weight of the latter's rush had brought him -into close quarters, and the next instant they were swaying up and -down clutched in each other's arms.] - - - - The - Lady from Long Acre - - - By - - Victor Bridges - - Author of "A Rogue by Compulsion," "The Man from Nowhere," - "Jetsam" - - - - _Illustrated by Ray Rohn_ - - - - G. P. Putnam's Sons - New York and London - The Knickerbocker Press - 1919 - - - - - Copyright, 1919 - BY - VICTOR BRIDGES - - - - The Knickerbocker Press, New York - - - - - CONTENTS - - CHAPTER - - I.--"Tiger" Bugg Versus "Lightning" Lopez - II.--The Morals of Molly - III.--Two Yellow-Faced Foreigners - IV.--Like a Fairy Story - V.--The Leniency of Justice - VI.--Pricing an Heirloom - VII.--Bugg's Strategy - VIII.--Affairs in Livadia - IX.--A Run-Away Queen - X.--The Royal Enterprise - XI.--The Baited Trap - XII.--Molly Becomes an Ally - XIII.--A Move by the Enemy - XIV.--A Disturbance in Hampstead - XV.--Impending Events - XVI.--An Artistic Forgery - XVII.--A Decoy Message - XVIII.--The Royal Pass - XIX.--Jimmy Dale - XX.--Counterplotting - XXI.--The Solution - XXII.--Getting Access to Isabel - XXIII.--Kidnapping the Bride - XXIV.--Making Sure of Isabel - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - -Just in the Nick of Time he Turned to Meet the Driver of the Car . . -. _Frontispiece_ - -Tony Sent the Fellow Staggering Back to the Edge of the Pavement - -"I am so Sorry to have Kept you Waiting," Said Tony - -"And do you Mean to Say," he Remarked, "that you really Waste this on -Dramatic Critics?" - -His Gaze finally Came to Rest on the Barrel of the Mauser Pistol - -"I will Tell you the Whole Story if you Like, Aunt Fanny" - - - - -The Lady from Long Acre - - - -CHAPTER I - -"TIGER" BUGG VERSUS "LIGHTNING" LOPEZ - -Lady Jocelyn sighed gently and put down her cup on the tea-table. - -"I suppose, Tony," she said, "that when one gets to seventy-two, -one's conscience begins to decay just as one's body does. I seem to -like good people less and immoral and useless ones more. You are the -only member of the family it gives me the faintest pleasure to see -nowadays." - -Sir Antony Raymond Fulk Desmoleyn Conway--Conway Bart., more commonly -known as Tony, nodded his head. - -"They are rather a stuffy lot the others, aren't they!" he answered -cheerfully. "Who's been round to see you?" - -"Only Laura and Henry as yet." Lady Jocelyn spoke with some -thankfulness. - -"Well, that's enough," observed Tony. "Ten minutes with either of -them always makes me feel I want to do something improper." - -"Allowing for age and infirmity," said Lady Jocelyn, "they have a -rather similar effect on me." - -Tony laughed. "So you have heard all about my misdeeds?" - -"I would hardly go as far as that. They were only here for two -hours. You may smoke you know, Tony, if you want to." - -He lighted a cigarette. "Tell me, Aunt Fanny," he pleaded. "There -is no pleasure in blackening the family name unless one hears what -the family says about it." - -"The family," remarked Lady Jocelyn, "has a good deal to say about -it. They consider that not only are you wasting your own life in the -most deplorable manner, but that your methods of amusing yourself are -calculated to bring a certain amount of discredit upon your more -distinguished relatives. Henry attributes it chiefly to the -demoralizing effect of wealth; Laura thinks that you were born with -naturally low tastes." - -"They're both right," observed Tony placidly. "I am what Guy calls -'a menace to my order.' That's a jolly way for one's secretary to -talk to one, isn't it?" - -"It's the only way dear Guy can talk, and after all I daresay he is -telling the truth." - -"I am sure he is," said Tony. "Guy is quite incapable of telling -anything else." He paused. "Was Henry referring to any recent -atrocity?" - -"I think your choice of friends is what distresses him chiefly. He -said that your more intimate acquaintances appear to consist of -prize-fighters and chauffeurs." - -Tony laughed good-humouredly. "I do a bit of motor racing, you know. -I suppose that's what he meant by chauffeurs. As for -prize-fighters--well, somebody must have been telling him about Bugg." - -"About what?" inquired Lady Jocelyn mildly. - -"Bugg," repeated Tony. "'Tiger' Bugg. He's a youthful protégé of -mine--a boxer. In about three years, when he's grown a bit, he'll be -champion of England." - -Lady Jocelyn's good-humoured face wrinkled up into a whimsical smile. - -"Dear Tony," she said. "Your conversation is always so stimulating. -Tell me some more about Mr. Tiger Bugg. What a name! It sounds like -some kind of American butterfly." - -"Oh, he spells it with two g's," said Tony. "It's a very good name -in the East End of London. There have been Buggs in Whitechapel for -generations." - -"So I have always understood," replied Lady Jocelyn. "How did you -come across this particular branch of the family?" - -"It was at a boxing club off the Stepney High Street. It's a -blackguard sort of place run by a Jew named Isaacs. He gets in the -East End street boys, and they fight each other for nothing in the -hope that some boxing promoter will see them and give them a chance. -Well, one night when I was there they put up this boy Bugg against a -fellow who was big enough to eat him--a chap who knew something about -the game, too. Bugg was hammered nearly silly in the first round, -but he came up for the second and popped in a left hook bang on the -point that put the big chap to sleep for almost ten minutes. It was -one of the prettiest things I've ever seen." - -"It sounds delightful," said Lady Jocelyn. "Go on, Tony." - -"I was so pleased with his pluck," pursued the baronet tranquilly, -"that I sent for him after the show and took him out to have some -supper. I thought he was precious hungry from the way he wolfed his -food, and when I asked him I found he'd had nothing to eat all day -except a bit of dry bread for breakfast. In addition to that he had -tramped about ten miles looking for a job. Hardly what one would -call a good preparation for fighting a fellow twice your size." - -"It seems a most deserving case," remarked Lady Jocelyn -sympathetically. - -"That's what I thought," said Tony. "I had him up to Hampstead the -next day and I gave him a good try out with the gloves. I saw at -once that I'd got hold of something quite out of the common. He -didn't know much about the science of the game, but he was just a -born boxer--one of those boys who take to fighting as naturally as -they do to breathing. He seemed a decent lad too in his way--a bit -rough, of course, but then you couldn't expect anything else. Anyhow -the end of it was I took him on, and he has been with me ever since." - -"How nice!" said Lady Jocelyn. "And in what capacity does he figure -in the household returns?" - -Tony indulged in a smile. "I always call him my assistant -secretary," he said, "just to fetch old Guy. As a matter of fact -Bugg is a most useful chap. There's hardly anything he can't do. -When he isn't training for a fight, we use him as a sort of -maid-of-all-work." - -"Oh, he still fights then?" - -"Rather," said Tony. "He has never been beaten yet. Backing Bugg is -my only source of income apart from the estate. I made twelve -hundred pounds out of him last year." - -"Dear me!" exclaimed Lady Jocelyn. "I had no idea you had a regular -profession like that, Tony. What sort of people does he fight with?" - -"We are open to meet any one in the world up to ten stone seven. In -fact there are only about four who really matter that he hasn't met. -There will be one less after to-morrow." - -"What happens to-morrow?" - -"Bugg is going to fight 'Lightning Lopez' at the Cosmopolitan." - -"What beautiful names all these people seem to have," said Lady -Jocelyn. "Who is 'Lightning Lopez'?" - -"He calls himself the champion welter-weight of Europe," replied Tony -a little contemptuously. "He's half an American and half a Livadian. -That's why Pedro has taken him up." - -"Pedro?" repeated Lady Jocelyn. "Do you mean King Pedro?" - -Tony nodded. "Yes, Lopez is being backed by royalty or rather -ex-royalty. We hope to have five hundred of the best out of His -Majesty by to-morrow night." - -"Are you a friend of Pedro's?" asked Lady Jocelyn. - -"Oh, hardly that," said Tony. "He belongs to the Cosmo, you know, -and I often meet him at races and first nights." - -Lady Jocelyn paused for a moment. - -"I remember him very well as a little boy at Portriga before the -revolution," she said. "What has he grown up like?" - -"Well," observed Tony, thoughtfully brushing some cigarette ash from -his sleeve, "he's short and fat and dark and rather spotty, and he -drinks too much." - -Lady Jocelyn nodded. "Ah!" she said, "just like his poor father. -Has he inherited the family weakness for female society?" - -"He's a bit of a rip," said Tony. "Or rather he was. Molly Monk of -the Gaiety has got hold of him now, and I think she keeps him pretty -straight. She's not the sort to stand any nonsense, you know." - -"I will take your word for it, Tony," said Lady Jocelyn gravely. - -Tony laughed. "Well, you can, Aunt Fanny," he returned. "I've known -Molly since she was a little flapper. She is the granddaughter of -old Monk who used to look after the lodge at Holbeck." - -Lady Jocelyn raised her eyebrows. "Dear me!" she exclaimed. "Is -that so, Tony! Why I remember the old man perfectly. She must be a -clever girl to have got on like she has. What a pity she couldn't be -content with her profession." - -"Oh, Molly's all right," said Tony carelessly. "She's straight -enough as girls of that sort go. You can be quite sure she's really -fond of Pedro or she wouldn't have anything to do with him." - -"He didn't sound exactly lovable from your description of him," -remarked Lady Jocelyn. - -"Well, perhaps I didn't do him justice. He isn't such a bad fellow -in his way, you know. He drinks too much and he's stupid and spoilt, -but he's quite good-natured and amiable with it. I have no doubt -Molly can twist him round her finger; and I suppose there's a certain -attraction in having a king trotting around after you--even if he is -out of a job. No doubt it annoys the other girls." - -"As a bachelor, my dear boy," said Lady Jocelyn, "you have no right -to be so well acquainted with feminine weaknesses." She paused. -"You know you really ought to get married, Tony," she added, "if only -to circulate your income." - -Tony laughed. "You have hit on my one strong point as a capitalist," -he said. "You ask Guy, Aunt Fanny!" - -"But you can't spend forty thousand a year by yourself--surely?" - -"Oh, I get a little help now and then. I don't know that I really -want it though. It's wonderful what one can do with practice and a -steam yacht." - -"It's not nearly as wonderful as what you could do with a wife," said -Lady Jocelyn. "Anyhow you ought to get married if only to please me. -I shall soon be too old for travelling about, and then I shall want -some really naughty children to give me an interest in life. I shall -never be interested in Henry's twins: they are such dreadful little -prigs." - -Tony got up from his chair and taking the old lady's slender, much -beringed hand raised it to his lips. - -"If you feel like that, Aunt Fanny," he said, "I shall certainly have -to think about it. You won't mind who she is, I suppose?" - -"I only make two stipulations," said Lady Jocelyn. "She mustn't be a -German and she mustn't wear squeaky boots." - -Tony laughed. "All right, Aunt Fanny," he said. "I can promise you -that safely." - -He walked to the window and glanced down into Chester Square where a -huge venomous-looking, two-seated Peugot was filling up the roadway. - -"I must toddle away now," he observed. "I want to run up to the -Club, and see that everything's all right for to-morrow night, and -then I must get back home and change. I have promised to go to this -fancy dress dance at the Albert Hall, and it will take me a long time -to look like Charles the Second." - -Lady Jocelyn leaned forward and rang the bell. "Come and see me -again some day, Tony," she said, "when you have nothing better to do. -I shall be home till the end of July, at all events." - -Tony bent down and kissed her affectionately. "I shall often be -dropping in if I may," he said. "I am always in scrapes you know, -Aunt Fanny, and you are about the only person I can look to for a -little sympathy and encouragement." - -"If my moral support is of any use, Tony," she said, "you can count -on it to the utmost." - -Outside the house a small crowd of loafers and errand boys had -gathered round the car, which with its enormous strapped bonnet and -disk wheels looked singularly out of place in this trim, respectable -neighbourhood. - -"Wotyer call that, guv'nor?" inquired one of them. "A cycle car?" - -"It's the new Baby Peugot," replied Tony gravely. - -He started up the engine, and climbing into the seat, disappeared -round the corner, followed by the admiring glances of his audience. - -The Cosmopolitan Club, the headquarters of British pugilism, is -situated in Covent Garden. It is regarded by some excellent people -as a plague spot that will eventually be wiped away by the rising -flood of a more humanized civilization, but this opinion can hardly -be said to represent the views of the porter and carmen who frequent -the vicinity. To them the Club represents all that is best and -brightest in English civilization, and amongst its numerous and oddly -assorted members nobody could claim to be better known or more -popular than Tony. - -As the big car picked its way over the cobbles, twisting neatly in -and out between unattended carts and piles of empty baskets, a good -number of the men who were lounging about greeted the owner with a -friendly salute. When he reached the Club and pulled up, several of -them stepped forward eagerly to open the door. - -"'Ow abaht ter-morrer, sir," inquired one huge, hoarse-voiced carter. -"Sife to shove a bit on Tiger?" - -"You can shove your horse and cart on him," said Tony, "and if it -doesn't come off I'll buy you another." - -He jumped out and crossed the pavement, followed by an approving -murmur from everyone who had heard his offer. - -The carter spat decisively into the gutter. "E's a ruddy nobleman, -'e is," he observed, looking round the group with a bloodshot eye. -"'Oo says 'e ain't?" - -No one ventured on such a rash assertion; indeed, putting aside the -carter's discouraging air, everyone present considered Tony's offer -to be the very acme of aristocratic behaviour. - -The creator of this favourable impression pushed open the swinging -door of the Club and, accepting a couple of letters from the hotel -porter, walked through into the comfortably furnished bar lounge at -the back. Its two inhabitants, who were each in the act of consuming -a cocktail, glanced round at his entrance. One was "Doggy" -Donaldson, the manager, a burly, genial-looking, bullet-headed -individual with close-cropped grey hair, and a permanently unlit -cigar jutting up rakishly out of the corner of his mouth. - -"Hello, Tony," he exclaimed. "You're just in time to join us. You -know the Marquis da Freitas, of course?" - -Tony nodded easily, and Donaldson's companion, a stout, -dark-complexioned, well-dressed man of about fifty with a certain air -of distinction about him, returned the greeting with a courteous wave -of his hand. - -"We meet as enemies, Sir Antony," he remarked smilingly. - -"Well, I just dropped in for a second to see that everything was all -right about to-morrow," said Tony. "Our boy is in fine form: never -been fitter. I hope you have been equally lucky?" - -The Marquis indulged in the faintest possible shrug of his broad -shoulders. "I believe so," he said. "I am not a great authority on -these matters myself, but they amuse His Majesty." - -"Everything's O.K.," observed the manager in a satisfied voice. "We -sold the last seat this morning, and there have been several -applications since. It's going to be the best night of the season. -You will see your boy turns up in good time, won't you?" - -Tony helped himself to the cocktail, which the barman, without asking -any superfluous questions, had been quietly preparing for him. - -"Right you are," he said, drinking it off. "What's the betting, -Doggy?" - -"Martin-Smith told me this morning he'd got a level hundred on Lopez." - -Tony put down the empty glass. "Ah well," he said, "he can afford to -lose it." - -There was a short pause. - -"You seem confident, Sir Antony," remarked the Marquis in his suave -voice. "Perhaps you would like to back your opinion a little -further. I don't know much about this sort of thing, as I said just -now, but I am prepared to support our man if only from patriotic -motives." - -"Anything you care to suggest, Marquis," said Tony indifferently. - -"Shall we say a couple of hundred, then?" - -Tony nodded, and booked the bet on his shirt cuff. - -"I must be off now," he said. "I suppose you and the King will be at -the Albert Hall to-night?" - -The Marquis shook his head. "I do not think His Majesty intends to -be present. As for me--" he again shrugged his shoulders--"I grow -old for such frivolities." - -"Well, till to-morrow then," said Tony. - -He passed out again through the hall, and jumping into the car -steered his way slowly round the corner into Long Acre, where he -branched off in the direction of Piccadilly. He was just passing -Garnett's, the celebrated theatrical costumier, when the door of that -eminent establishment swung open, and a very pretty and smartly -dressed girl stepped out on to the pavement. Directly Tony saw her -he checked the car and turned it gently in towards the gutter. - -She came up to him with a most attractive smile. - -"But how convenient, Tony," she exclaimed. "You will be able to -drive me home. I was just going to waste my money on a taxi." - -He leaned across and opened the door. "You can give me the bob -instead, Molly," he said. "Jump in." - -She stepped up alongside of him, and with a harsh croak the big car -glided forward again into the thronging bustle of Leicester Square. - -"Funny picking you up like this," he said. "I've just been talking -about you." - -"I'm always being talked about," replied Molly serenely. "I hope you -weren't as nasty as most people." - -"I was saying that you were the only girl in London with that -particular shade of red hair." Tony brought out this shameless -untruth with the utmost coolness. - -"It is rather nice, isn't it?" said Molly. "All the girls think I -touch it up. As a matter of fact it's one of the few parts of me I -don't." She paused. "What were you really saying about me, Tony?" - -"Oh, quite nice things," he replied. "Can you fancy me saying -anything else?" - -"No," she said. "I'll admit you're an amiable beast as men go. But -why haven't you been to see me lately?" - -Grasping his opportunity Tony darted across the bows of an onrushing -motor-bus, and gained the comparative shelter of Regent Street. - -"If it is a fact," he observed, "I can only attribute it to idiocy." - -"You know it's a fact," said Molly, "and it's hurt me, Tony. I -wouldn't mind being chucked by any one else. But somehow you're -different. I have always looked on you as a pal." - -Tony slipped his left hand off the wheel for a second and lightly -squeezed hers. - -"So I am, Molly," he said. "Why on earth should I have changed?" - -"I thought you might be sick with me about--well, about Peter." - -"Good Lord, no," said Tony. "I never criticize my friends' hobbies. -If I haven't routed you out lately, it's only because I've been -really busy." - -Her face brightened. "You're a nice old thing, Tony," she said. -"Come and lunch with me to-morrow if you're not booked up. Just us -two. I really do want to have a talk with you, badly." - -"Right-o," said Tony. "You'll be able to give me the latest stable -information about Lopez. It's the fight to-morrow night, you know." - -Molly nodded. "Peter thinks he's going to win all right," she said. -"He's cocksure about it." - -"I gathered that," said Tony. "I ran into da Freitas at the Club -just now and he bet me a level two hundred we were in for a whipping. -I shouldn't think he was a gentleman who chucked away his money out -of patriotic sentiment." - -Molly made as near an approach to an ugly face as nature would allow. - -"You don't like him?" inquired Tony artlessly. - -"He's a pig," said Molly, and then after a short pause she added with -some reluctance, "but he's a clever pig." - -"That," observed Tony, "only aggravates the offence." - -He pulled up at Basil Mansions, a big block of luxurious flats just -opposite the Langham Hotel, and a magnificently gilded porter -hastened forward to open the door of the car. - -"I'll tell you about him to-morrow," said Molly. "Don't be later -than half-past one. I'm always starving by then, and I shan't wait -for you." - -"I am always punctual for meals," said Tony. "It's the only virtue -that's rewarded on the spot." - - - - -CHAPTER II - -THE MORALS OF MOLLY - -It was exactly eleven o'clock when Tony woke up. He looked at his -watch, yawned, stretched himself, ran his fingers through his hair, -and then reaching out his hand pressed the electric bell beside his -bed. After a short pause it was answered by a middle-aged, -clean-shaven man, with a face like a tired sphinx, who entered the -room carrying a cup of tea upon a tray. Tony sat up and blinked at -him. - -"Good-morning, Spalding," he observed. - -"Good-morning, Sir Antony," returned the man; "I trust that you slept -well, sir?" - -"Very well, thank you," replied Tony. "What time did I get home?" - -"I fancy it was a little after four, sir." - -Tony took a long drink out of the tea-cup, and then put it down -again. "I am curiously thirsty this morning, Spalding," he said. -"Was I quite sober when I came back?" - -The man hesitated. "I should describe you as being so, sir," he -replied. - -"Thank you, Spalding," said Tony gratefully. - -Crossing the room the valet drew up the blinds, and admitted a -cheerful stream of sunshine. - -"Mr. Oliver left a message, sir, to say that he would not be back -until the afternoon. He has gone out on business and is lunching -with Mr. Henry Conway." - -"Where's Bugg?" inquired Tony. - -"At the present moment, sir, I believe he is in the gymnasium. He -informed me that he was about to loosen his muscles with a little -shadow boxing." - -"Is he all right?" - -"He appears to be in the most robust health, sir." - -A look of relief passed across Tony's face. "You have taken a weight -off my mind, Spalding," he said. "I dreamed that he had broken his -neck." - -The valet shook his head reassuringly. - -"I observed no sign of it, sir, when I passed him in the hall." - -"In that case," said Tony, "I think I shall get up. You can fill the -bath, Spalding, and you can tell the cook I shan't want any -breakfast." - -The impassive servant bowed and withdrew from the room, and after -finishing his tea, Tony got luxuriously out of bed, and proceeded to -drape himself in a blue silk dressing-gown with gold dragons -embroidered round the hem. It was a handsome garment originally -intended for the President of China, but that gentleman had -unexpectedly rejected it on the ground that it was too ornate for the -elected head of a democratic community. At least that was how the -Bond Street shopman who had sold it to Tony had accounted for its -excessive price. - -Lighting a cigarette, Tony sauntered across to the bathroom, where a -shave, a cold tub, and a few minutes of Muller's exercises were -sufficient to remove the slight trace of lassitude induced by his -impersonation of Charles the Second. Then, still clad in his -dressing-gown, he strolled down the main staircase, and opening the -front door passed out into the garden. - -The house was one of those two or three jolly old-fashioned survivals -which still stand in their own grounds in the neighbourhood of Jack -Straw's Castle. Tony had bought up the freehold several years -previously, the quaint old Georgian residence in its delightful -surroundings appealing to him far more than his own gloomy family -mansion in Belgrave Square. As he himself was fond of explaining, it -gave one all the charm of living in the country without any of its -temptations to virtue. - -A few yards' walk along a gravel path, hedged in on each side by -thick laurel bushes, brought him to the gymnasium. The door was -slightly open, and from the quick patter and shuffle of footsteps -inside, it sounded as if a number of ballet girls were practising a -novel and rather complicated form of step dance. - -The spectacle that actually met Tony's eyes when he entered, however, -was of a less seductive nature. Clad only in a pair of flannel -trousers, a young man was spinning and darting about the room in the -most extraordinary fashion, indulging at the same time in -lightning-like movements with his head and arms. To the uninitiated -observer he would have appeared to be either qualifying for a lunatic -asylum or else attempting the difficult feat of catching flies on the -wing. As a matter of fact either assumption would have been equally -inaccurate. He was engaged in what is known amongst pugilists as -"shadow boxing" which consists of conducting an animated contest with -a vicious but imaginary opponent. - -On seeing Tony the young man in question came to an abrupt halt in -the middle of the room, and raised his forefinger to his -close-cropped forehead. - -"Mornin', Sir Ant'ny," he observed. - -Notwithstanding his exertions he spoke without the least trace of -breathlessness, and there was no sign of perspiration upon his clean -white skin. He looked what he was--a splendidly built lad of about -nineteen, trained to the last pitch of physical fitness. - -Tony glanced him over with an approving eye. "Good-morning, Bugg," -he answered. "I am glad to see you looking so well. I dreamed you -had broken your neck." - -The lad grinned cheerfully. "Not me, sir. Never felt better in me -life. Must 'a bin the other bloke." - -"I hope not," said Tony anxiously. "I backed you for another -two-fifty yesterday, and I can't very well claim the money unless the -fight comes off. By the way, a hundred of that goes on to the purse -if you do the trick all right." - -The young prize-fighter looked a trifle embarrassed. "There ain't no -call for that, sir--thankin' ye kindly all the saime, sir. I'd knock -out 'alf a dozen blokes like Lopez for a purse o' three 'undred." - -"Your unmercenary nature is one of your chief charms, Bugg," said -Tony. "All the same you mustn't carry it to extremes. How much -money have you got in the bank now?" - -Bugg scratched his ear. "The last time I goes in, sir, the old -geezer with the whiskers says somethin' abaht a matter of eleven -'undred quid." - -"Well, by to-morrow you ought to have fifteen hundred. In other -words, Bugg, you will be a capitalist--one of the idle rich. That -money, properly invested, will bring you in thirty shillings a week. -If you want to set up as an independent gentleman now's the time to -begin." - -A sudden look of surprised dismay spread itself across Bugg's -square-jawed face. - -"Meanin' I got the chuck, sir?" he inquired dully. - -Tony laughed. "Of course not," he said. "Don't be an ass, Bugg. I -was only pointing out to you that if you like to set up on your own -you can afford to do it. I'll go on backing you as long as you want -me to, but you needn't feel bound to stop on here if you'd rather -clear out. It's not much of a job for a budding champion of England -with fifteen hundred pounds in the bank." - -Bugg gave an audible sigh of relief. - -"I thought you was 'andin' me the bird, sir," he observed. "Give me -a proper turn it did, jest for the minit." - -"Then you don't want to go?" - -Bugg laughed, almost contemptuously. - -"Where'd I go to, sir?" he demanded. "'Ow long would that fifteen -'undred last if I was knockin' arahnd on me own with every flash cove -in London 'avin' a cut at it? 'Sides, that, sir, I don't want -nothin' different. I wouldn't change the job I got, not to be King -of England. If it weren't for you I'd be 'awkin' welks now, or -fightin' in a booth, an' Tiger Bugg ain't the sort to forget a thing -like that. Wen you don't want me no more, sir, jest you tip me the -orfice straight and proper and I'll 'op it, but so long as there's -any bloomin' thing I can do for you, sir, well, 'ere I am and 'ere I -means to stop." - -It was the longest speech that Tiger Bugg had ever indulged in, and -certainly the most eloquent. Tony, who was genuinely touched by the -obvious sincerity with which it was uttered, stepped forward and -patted the lad on his shoulder. - -"That's all right, Tiger," he said. "There will always be a job for -you here if it's only to annoy my relations." He paused and lighted -himself another cigarette. "Give us a bit of your best to-night," he -added. "I should like to make Da Freitas look silly, and if you win -easily, Donaldson has practically promised me a match for the -Lonsdale Belt." - -Bugg's eyes gleamed, and his hands automatically clenched themselves. - -"I'll slip one over the fust chance I get, sir," he observed -earnestly. "I don't think I'll 'ave to wait long either." - -Tony nodded, and gathering up his dressing-gown, turned towards the -door. - -"Well, be ready by eight o'clock," he said, "and we'll go down -together in the car." - -Leaving the gymnasium he strolled on up the path till it curved round -the corner and opened out into an asphalt yard, where a man in blue -overalls was attending to the toilet of the big Peugot. He was a -tall, red-haired individual with an expression of incurable -melancholy on his face. - -"Good-morning, Jennings," said Tony. "It's a nice morning, isn't it?" - -The chauffeur cast a resentful glance at the unclouded blue overhead. - -"It's all right at present, sir," he admitted grudgingly, "but these -here extra fine mornings have a way of turning off sudden." - -Tony sauntered up to the car, and lifting the bonnet looked down into -the gleaming network of copper and brass which bore eloquent -testimony to the care and energy expended on it. - -"I didn't think she was pulling quite at her best yesterday," he -said. "You might have a run through and tune her up a bit, when -you've got time." - -The chauffeur nodded. "Once these here big racin' engines begin to -give trouble, sir," he remarked with a sort of gloomy relish, "they -ain't never the same again--not in a manner o' speaking. Least, -that's how it seems to me." - -"That's how it would seem to you, Jennings," said Tony kindly. "Is -the Suiza all right?" - -"She'll run, sir." - -"Well, have her ready about one o'clock, and I shall want you and the -Rolls-Royce at eight to-night, to take us down to the Club." He -paused. "I suppose you have backed Bugg?" he added. - -Jennings shook his head. "Not me, sir. I think he's flying too -high, sir. From all they tell me this here Lopez is a terror. I'll -be sorry to see Bugg knocked out, but there it is; it comes to all of -'em in time." - -"I like talking to you after breakfast, Jennings," said Tony. "You -cheer one up for the entire day." - -Jennings received the compliment with an utterly unmoved expression. -"I don't take much stock in bein' cheerful meself, sir," he observed, -"not unless there's something to be cheerful about." - -He stepped forward and resumed his work on the car, and after -watching him for a moment or two with a pleasant languid interest -Tony turned round and sauntered back to the house. - -He finished his toilet in a leisurely fashion, and then spent an -agreeable half-hour over the _Sportsman_, which was the only morning -paper that he took in. Current affairs of a more general nature did -not interest him much, though in times of national or political -crisis it was his habit to borrow the _Daily Mail_ from Spalding. - -Soon after one, Jennings brought the Suiza round to the front door, -and a quarter of an hour later Tony turned in through the gateway of -Basil Mansions and drew up alongside the rockery and fountain with -which a romantic landlord had enriched the centre of the courtyard. - -Leaving the car there, he strolled across to Molly's flat and rang -the bell. It was answered almost at once by a neatly dressed French -maid, who conducted him into a bright and daintily furnished room -where Molly was sitting at the piano practising a new song. She -jumped up gaily directly she saw him. - -"Oh, how nice of you, Tony," she exclaimed. "You are ten minutes -early and I'm fearfully hungry. Lunch as soon as it's ready, -Claudine." - -She gave Tony her hand which he raised gallantly to his lips. - -"You are looking very beautiful this morning, Molly," he said. "You -remind me of one of those things that come out of ponds." - -"What do you mean?" asked Molly. "Frogs?" - -"No," said Tony, "not frogs. Those sort of jolly wet girls with -nothing on; what do you call them--naiads, isn't it?" - -Molly burst into a ripple of laughter. "I don't think that's much of -a compliment to my frock, Tony," she said. "It was specially -designed for me by Jay's too! Don't you like it?" - -Tony stepped back and inspected her critically. - -"It's wonderful," he said. "I should imagine Mr. Jay was now -prostrate with nervous exhaustion." - -"Oh, well," replied Molly comfortingly, "he'll have heaps of time to -recover before he's paid." - -The clear note of a silver gong sounded from the passage and she -thrust her arm through Tony's. - -"Come along," she said, "there are roast quails and it would be awful -if they got cold, wouldn't it?" - -Tony gave a slight shudder. "There are some tragedies," he said, -"that one hardly likes to think about." - -All through lunch, which was daintily served in Molly's pretty, sunny -little dining-room, they chatted away in the easy cheerful fashion of -two people who have no illusions about each other and are yet the -firmest of friends. The lunch itself was excellent, and Claudine -waited on them with a graceful skill that lent an additional harmony -to its progress. - -"I think I am in love with your new maid," observed Tony -thoughtfully, when she at length left them to their coffee and -cigarettes. - -"I am glad you approve of her," said Molly, "but if you haven't seen -her before it only shows how disgustingly you must have treated me. -She has been here since Christmas." - -"I like her face," pursued Tony. "It's so pure. She looks as if she -had been turned out of a convent for being too good." - -"She isn't good," said Molly. "Don't you think it." - -"That only makes her all the more wonderful," said Tony. "To look -good and to be wicked is the ideal combination. You get the benefits -of both without any of their drawbacks." - -"In that case," observed Molly, "I must be dead out of luck. With my -red hair and red lips I look desperately wicked, while as a matter of -fact I'm quite uninterestingly good--by instinct." She paused. "I -want to talk to you about my morals, Tony. That has been one of the -chief reasons why I asked you to lunch." - -Tony poured out a glass of liqueur brandy. "The morals of Molly," he -remarked contentedly. "I can't imagine a more perfect subject for an -after-lunch discussion." - -Molly lit herself a cigarette and passed him across the little silver -box. "It's not so much a discussion as an explanation," she said. -"I want to explain Peter." She sat back in her chair. "You see, -Tony, you're the only person in the world whose opinion I care a hang -for. If it hadn't been for you I don't know what would have happened -to me after I ran away from home. You helped me to get on the stage, -and I don't want you to think I've turned out an absolute rotter. -Oh, I know people have always said horrid things about me, but then -they do that about any girl in musical comedy. I believe I'm -supposed to have lived with a Rajah and had a black baby, and Lord -knows what else, but as a matter of fact it's all lies and invention. -People talk like that just to appear more in the swim than somebody -else. Of course I don't mean to say I haven't had lots of kind -offers of that sort, but until Peter came along I'd said 'no' to all -of them." - -"What made you pitch on Peter?" asked Tony. - -"I don't know," said Molly frankly. "I think I was sorry for him to -start with. He's so stupid you know--any one can take him in, and -that little cat Marie d'Estelle was getting thousands out of him and -carrying on all the time with half a dozen other men. So I thought -I'd just take him away if only to teach her common decency." - -"If rumour is correct," observed Tony, "the lesson was not entirely -successful." - -Molly laughed. "Well, that was how the thing started anyway," she -said. "Peter got awfully keen on me, and after I had seen a little -bit of him and snubbed him rather badly once or twice for being too -affectionate, I really began to get quite fond of him. You see if he -wasn't a king he'd be a jolly good sort. There's nothing really the -matter with him except that he's been horribly spoilt. He isn't a -bit vicious naturally; he only thought he was until he met me. He is -weak and stupid, of course, but then I like a man not to be too -clever if I am going to have much to do with him. Stupid men stick -to you, and you can make them do just what you want. You know Peter -consults me about practically everything." - -"And what does Da Freitas think of the situation?" asked Tony mildly. - -"Oh, Da Freitas!" Molly's expression was an answer in itself. "He -hates me, Tony; he can't stand any one having an influence over Peter -except himself. He didn't mind d'Estelle and people like that, in -spite of the money they cost, but he would give anything to get rid -of me. He likes Peter to be weak and dissipated and not to bother -about things, because then he has all the power in his own hands." - -"But how is all this going to end, Molly?" asked Tony. "Suppose -there's another revolution in Livadia, and Peter, as you call him, -has to go back to be King. It's quite on the cards according to what -one hears." - -"Oh, I know," said Molly, shrugging her shoulders, "but what's the -good of worrying? If they knew Peter as well as I do they wouldn't -be so stupid. He'd be no earthly use as a king, by himself, and he'd -look too absolutely silly for words with a crown on his head. As far -as his own private tastes go, he's a lot happier at Richmond. He -quite sees it too, you know, when I point it out to him, but he says -he wouldn't be able to help himself if there really was a revolution." - -"No," said Tony. "I imagine Da Freitas would see to that. It will -be a precious cold day when he gets left. He hasn't schemed and -plotted and kept in with Pedro all this time in order to let the -chance slip when it comes along. If he isn't back there one day in -his old job of Prime Minister, it won't be the fault of the Marquis -Fernando." - -Molly looked pensively into the fire. "He only makes one mistake," -she said. "He's a little too apt to think other people are more -stupid than they are. I suppose it comes from associating so much -with poor old Peter." - - - - -CHAPTER III - -TWO YELLOW-FACED FOREIGNERS - -Very carefully Tony sprinkled a little Bengal pepper over the -perfectly grilled sole which Spalding had set down in front of him. -Then he returned the bottle to the cruet-stand and looked across the -table at his cousin. - -"You really ought to come to-night, Guy," he said. "It will be a -beautiful fight while it lasts." - -Guy Oliver shook his head. He was a tall, rather gaunt young man -with a pleasant but too serious expression. "My dear Tony," he -replied, "my tastes may be peculiar, but as I have told you before, -it really gives me no pleasure to watch two lads striking each other -violently about the face and body." - -"You were always hard to please," complained Tony sadly. "Fighting -is one of the few natural and healthy occupations left to humanity." - -Guy adjusted his glasses. "I am not criticizing fighting in its -proper place," he said. "I think there are times when it may be -necessary and even enjoyable. All I do object to is regarding it as -a pastime. There are some things in life that we are not meant to -make a popular spectacle out of. What would you say if someone -suggested paying people to make love to each other on public -platforms?" - -"I should say it would be most exciting," said Tony. "Especially the -heavy-weight championship." He poured himself out half a glass of -sherry and held it up to the light. "Talking of heavy-weights," he -added, "how did you find our dear Cousin Henry?" - -"Henry was very well," said Guy. "He is coming to see you." - -Tony put down his glass and surveyed his cousin reproachfully. "And -you call yourself a secretary and a friend?" he remarked. - -"I think it is very good for you to entertain Cousin Henry -occasionally," returned Guy. "He is an excellent antidote to the -Cosmopolitan Club and Brooklands." He paused. "Besides, he has a -suggestion to make with which I am thoroughly in sympathy." - -A depressed expression flitted across Tony's face. "I am sure it has -something to do with my duty," he said. - -Guy nodded. "I wish you would try and look on it in that light. -Henry has put himself to a lot of trouble about it, and he will be -very hurt if you don't take it seriously." - -"My dear Guy!" said Tony. "A proposal of Henry's with which you are -in sympathy couldn't possibly be taken any other way. What is it?" - -"He has set his heart on your going into Parliament as you know. -Well, he told me that last week he had spoken about you to the Chief -Whip, and that they are arranging for you to stand as Government -candidate for Balham North at the next general election." - -There was a long pause. - -"For where?" inquired Tony faintly. - -"For Balham North. It's a large constituency in South London close -to Upper Tooting." - -"It would be," said Tony. "And may I ask what I have done to deserve -this horrible fate?" - -"That's just it," said Guy. "You haven't done anything. Henry -feels--indeed we all feel that as head of the family it is quite time -you made a start." - -"You don't understand," said Tony with some dignity. "I am sowing my -wild oats. It is what every wealthy young baronet is expected to do." - -"Leaving out the war," retorted Guy, "you have been sowing them for -exactly six years and nine months." - -Tony smiled contentedly. "I always think," he observed, "that if a -thing is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well." - -There was another pause, while Guy, crumbling a bit of bread between -his fingers, regarded his cousin with a thoughtful scrutiny. - -"As far as I can see, Tony," he said, "there is only one thing that's -the least likely to do you any good. You want a complete change in -your life--something that will wake you up to a sense of duty and -responsibility. I think you ought to get married." - -Tony, who was helping himself to a glass of champagne, paused -abruptly in the middle of that engaging occupation. - -"How remarkable!" he exclaimed. "Only yesterday Aunt Fanny made -exactly the same suggestion. It must be something in the spring air." - -"I don't always agree with Aunt Fanny," said Guy, "but I think that -for once in a way she was giving you excellent advice. A good wife -would make a tremendous difference in your life." - -"Tremendous!" assented Tony with a shudder. "I should probably have -to give up smoking in bed and come down to breakfast every morning." - -"You would be all the better for it," said Guy firmly. "I was -thinking, however, more of your general outlook on things. Marriage -with the right woman might make you realize that your position -carries with it certain duties that you ought to regard both as a -privilege and a pleasure." - -"Is going into Parliament one of them?" asked Tony. - -"Certainly. As a large landowner you are just the type of man who is -badly wanted in the House of Commons." - -"They must be devilish hard up for legislators," said Tony. "Still, -if you and Henry have made up your minds, I expect I shall have to do -it." He paused. "I don't think I should like to be the member for -Balham North though," he added reflectively. "It sounds like the -sort of place where a chorus girl's mother would live." - -Any defence of the constituency which Guy may have had to offer was -cut short by the re-entrance of Spalding. - -"The car is at the door, sir," he observed. - -"Aren't you going to finish your dinner?" inquired Guy, as Tony -pushed back his chair. - -The latter shook his head. "I never eat much before a fight," he -said. "It prevents my getting properly excited." He got up from his -seat. "Besides," he added, "I always take Bugg round to Shepherd's -after he has knocked out his man, and we celebrate the victory with -stout and oysters. It's Bugg's idea of Heaven." - -He passed out into the hall where Spalding helped him on with his -coat. Outside the front door stood a beautifully appointed -Rolls-Royce limousine, painted the colour of silver and upholstered -in grey Bedford cord. Jennings was at the wheel and inside sat Tiger -Bugg and a large red-faced man with little twinkling black eyes. -This latter was Mr. "Blink" McFarland, the celebrated proprietor of -the Hampstead Heath Gymnasium, who acted as Tiger's trainer and -sparring partner. They both touched their caps as Tony appeared. - -"I wouldn't let 'im get out, sir," observed McFarland in a gruff -voice. "Might 'a took a chill hangin' around." - -"Quite right, Blink," replied Tony gravely. "Lopez isn't to be -sneezed at even by a future champion." - -He lit himself a cigarette, and stepping inside closed the door -behind him. Spalding made a signal to Jennings and the big car slid -off noiselessly down the drive. - -Tony turned to Bugg. "Feeling all right?" he inquired. - -The young prize-fighter grinned amiably. "Fine, sir, thank ye, sir." - -With an affectionate gesture, McFarland laid an enormous mottled hand -on his charge's knee. "He's fit to jump out of 'is skin, sir; you -take it from me. If he don't knock two sorts of blue 'ell out of -that dirty faced dago I'll give up trainin' fighters and start -keepin' rabbits." - -"Lopez is supposed to have a bit of a punch himself, isn't he?" -inquired Tony. - -McFarland made a hoarse rumbling noise which was presumably intended -for a laugh. - -"All the better for us, sir. The harder 'e hits the more 'e'll hurt -hisself. It's a forlorn jog punchin' Tiger. You might as well kick -a pavin' stone." - -Bugg, who was evidently susceptible to compliments, blushed like a -schoolgirl, and then to cover his confusion turned an embarrassed -gaze out of the window. The long descent of Haverstock Hill was -flying past at a rare pace, for whatever might be Jenning's -shortcomings as a cheerful companion he could certainly drive a car. -Indeed it could scarcely have been more than ten minutes from the -moment they left the Heath, until, with a loud blast from the horn, -they glided round the corner of the street into Covent Garden. - -The pavement and roadway in front of the Cosmopolitan were filled by -the usual rough-looking crowd that invariably congregates outside the -Club on the occasion of a big fight. With surprising swiftness, -however, a space was cleared for Tony's car, and as its three -occupants stepped out, a hoarse excited buzz of "That's 'im! that's -Tiger!" rose up all round them. - -Bugg and McFarland hurried through into the Club; Tony stopping -behind for a moment to give some directions to Jennings. - -"You can put the car up at the R.A.C.," he said. "I'll telephone -over when I want you." - -He followed the others across the pavement, amid encouraging -observations of, "Good-luck, me lord!" and one or two approving pats -on the back from hearty if not overclean hands. - -Bugg and his trainer had of course gone direct to their -dressing-room, where Tony made no attempt to pursue them. He knew -that Tiger's preparations were safe in McFarland's hands, so -relinquishing his coat to one of the hall porters, he walked straight -through to the big gymnasium where the Club contests were held. - -It was an animated scene that met his eyes as he entered. A -preliminary bout was in progress and round the raised and roped dais -in the centre, with its blinding glare of light overhead, sat a -thousand or fifteen hundred of London's most eminent "sportsmen." -They were nearly all in evening dress: the dazzling array of white -shirt fronts and diamond studs affording a vivid testimony to the -interest taken in pugilism by the most refined and educated classes. - -As soon as the round was ended, Tony made his way slowly towards his -seat by the ring-side, exchanging innumerable greetings as he passed -along. Almost everybody seemed to know him, and he seemed to have a -smile and a cheery word for them all. - -A few yards from his destination he came across the Marquis da -Freitas. That distinguished statesman was seated in the front row of -chairs enjoying a big cigar, while beside him lounged a dark, -squarely built, rather coarse-featured youth, who greeted Tony with -an affable if slightly condescending wave of his hand. The latter -was none other than His Majesty King Pedro the Fifth, the rightful -though temporarily discarded ruler of Livadia. - -Tony pulled up at this mark of Royal recognition and shook hands with -the Marquis and his monarch. It was understood that on such -occasions as the present the ex-king preferred to be regarded as an -ordinary member of the Club. - -"Everything is good I hope," he observed to Tony. "Your man he is up -to the scratch--eh?" - -He spoke English confidently, but with a marked foreign accent. - -"Rather," said Tony. "Never been fitter in his life. No excuses if -we're beaten." - -Da Freitas blew out a philosophic puff of smoke. "Ah, Sir Antony," -he observed, "that is one of your national virtues. You are good -losers, you English. Perhaps you do not feel defeat as deeply as -Southerners." - -"Perhaps not," admitted Tony cheerfully. "Anyhow, it's not much good -making a song about things, is it? One's bound to strike a snag -occasionally." - -The Marquis nodded. "In Livadia," he said softly, "we do not like to -be beaten. We----" - -There was a loud _tang_ from the gong and the two boxers sprang up -out of their respective corners to resume the fight. With a gesture -of apology Tony moved along to his seat, where he found himself next -to "Doggy" Donaldson, who was discharging his customary rôle of -Master of the Ceremonies. He welcomed Tony with a grip of the hand. - -"Glad you've turned up," he said. "I never feel really happy till -both parties are in the Club. All serene?" - -"As far as we're concerned," replied Tony. - -Donaldson rubbed his hands. "That's good," he observed contentedly. -"We'll have 'em in the ring by nine-thirty at latest. That'll just -give us time to--Hullo! Look at that! Damned if Young Alf isn't -chucking it." - -One of the two contesting youths had suddenly stepped back and held -out his hand to his opponent. He had just received a severe dig in -the stomach, which had apparently convinced him for the moment that -boxing was an unfriendly and over-rated amusement. - -With a grunt of disgust at such pusillanimity Donaldson clambered up -into the ring, and in a stentorian voice announced the name of the -winner. He then introduced two more lithe-limbed active-looking -lads, who promptly set about the task of punching each other's heads -with refreshing accuracy and vigour. - -It was about a quarter-past nine when this bout came to an end, and -preparations were begun for the principal event. Two buckets of -clean water were brought in, and a large cardboard box containing a -couple of new pairs of boxing-gloves was deposited in the centre of -the ring. Then, while a truculent looking gentleman in flannel -trousers and a sweater strolled about crushing lumps of resin beneath -his feet, Doggy Donaldson again hoisted himself into the roped -square, and held up his hand for silence. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "I have the pleasure to announce that the -Committee has decided to match the winner of to-night's contest -against Jack Rivers, the holder of the Lonsdale Welter Weight Belt." - -The applause that greeted this statement had scarcely died away, when -a louder and more enthusiastic outburst proclaimed the appearance of -the boxers. They came on from different sides of the building each -with a small army of seconds in attendance. Climbing up into -opposite corners of the ring they bowed their acknowledgments to the -audience, and then, after carefully rubbing their feet in the resin, -seated themselves on the small stools that had been placed in -readiness. - -A number of lengthy preliminaries followed. The bandages that each -man wore on his hands were gravely inspected by one of his rival's -seconds, while another opened the cardboard box, and selected one of -the two pairs of gloves for his principal. They were nice-looking -gloves, but to the casual observer they would have appeared to be -constructed more for the purpose of conforming to the law than of -really deadening the effect of a blow. By dint of much pulling and -straining, however, each boxer managed to get them on, and then sat -with a dressing-gown over his shoulders while "Doggy" Donaldson made -the inevitable introductions. - -"Gentlemen! A twenty three-minute round contest between 'Lightning' -Lopez of Livadia on my right, and 'Tiger' Bugg of Hampstead on my -left. The bout will be refereed by Mr. 'Dick' Fisher." - -An elderly man in evening dress with a weather-beaten face, hard blue -eyes, and a chin like the toe of a boot stepped up alongside the -speaker and jerked his head at the audience. He was an ex-amateur -champion of England, and one of the best judges of boxing in the -world. - -The gong sounded as a signal to clear the ring, and the cluster of -seconds each side made a leisurely exit through the ropes. For a -moment the two boxers were left sitting on their respective stools -facing each other across the brilliantly lighted arena. Then came -another clang, and with a simultaneous movement they leaped lightly -to their feet, and advanced swiftly but cautiously towards the centre. - -To any one sufficiently pagan to admire the human form they made a -pleasing and effective picture. Both nude, except for a pair of very -short blue trunks, they moved forward with the lithe grace of a -couple of young panthers. Under the pitiless glare of the big arc -lamps the rippling muscles on their backs and shoulders were plainly -visible. Bugg's white skin stood out in dazzling contrast to the -swarthy colour of his opponent, but as far as bodily perfection went -there seemed to be nothing to choose between them. - -For a few seconds they circled stealthily round the ring sparring for -an opening. Lopez, who had adopted a slightly crouching pose, was -the more aggressive of the two. He was famed for the fierce -impetuousness of his methods, and on his last appearance at the Club -he had signalized the occasion by knocking out his adversary in the -second round. - -In the present instance, however, he appeared to be a little at a -loss. There was nothing very unusual to the eye about Bugg's style, -but the almost contemptuous ease with which he brushed aside a couple -of lightning-like left leads was distinctly disconcerting to his -opponent. - -Realizing apparently that as far as quickness and skill went he had -met more than his match, the Livadian evidently decided that his -usual robust tactics might be the most effective. He drew back a -pace, and then slightly dropping his head, sprang in with the vicious -fury of a wildcat, hitting out fiercely with both hands. - -The suddenness of the attack would have taken most boxers by -surprise, but that embarrassing emotion appeared to have no place in -Bugg's philosophy. With the swiftness of light he stepped to one -side, and just as the human battering ram in front of him hurled -itself forward, he brought up his right hand in a whizzing upper cut -that caught his adversary under the angle of the jaw. The blow was -so perfectly timed and delivered with such tremendous force that it -lifted Lopez clean off his feet. With his arms flung out wide each -side of him he made a sort of convulsive jerk into the air, and then -crashed over backwards on to the floor, where he lay a huddled and -inert mass. - -For an instant the whole house remained hushed in a stupefied -silence. Then as the time-keeper began to count off the fateful -seconds a sudden hoarse roar broke out all over the building. Above -the din could be heard the voices of Lopez' seconds, howling abuse -and entreaty at their unconscious principal. In vain the referee -waved his arms, entreating some sort of order for the count. - -"Doggy" Donaldson clutched Tony by the wrist. "Damn it!" he shouted -excitedly, "I believe he's broken his neck." - -Even as he spoke came the clang of the time-keeper's gong, signifying -that the ten seconds had passed. In a moment half a dozen figures -were swarming over the ropes, but before any one of them could reach -him, Bugg had picked up his limp, unconscious adversary in his arms, -and was carrying him across the ring to his own corner. He seemed to -be by far the coolest and most collected person present. - -Almost immediately Tony became the centre of a number of friends and -acquaintances who were wringing his hand and congratulating him on -the victory. After a minute or two he managed to free himself, and -pushing his way through to the ringside, inquired anxiously after the -health of the unfortunate Lopez. "Doggy" Donaldson, who was amongst -the crowd surrounding that fallen warrior, bent down with an air of -considerable relief upon his honest countenance. - -"It's all right," he said, "the beggar's coming round. I really -thought for a moment he was a goner though. Gad, what a kick that -boy of yours has got!" - -"Well, I'm glad it's no worse," said Tony. - -The other nodded. "Yes," he observed, "we must all be thankful for -that. It would have been a rotten thing for the Club if he'd broken -his neck." - -He turned away, and following suit, Tony suddenly found himself face -to face with the Marquis da Freitas, and his royal master, who had -apparently stepped forward in order to learn the news. The Marquis -appeared as suave as ever, but anything more sulky looking than His -Majesty it would have been difficult to imagine. - -Da Freitas bowed with the faintest ironical exaggeration. "Permit me -to congratulate you, Sir Antony. Your victory is indeed crushing." - -Tony regarded him with his usual amiable smile. "Thanks," he said. -"I am awfully glad your man isn't seriously hurt. It was bad luck -his running into a punch like that." He turned to Pedro. "You can -have a return match you know any time, if you care about it." - -His Majesty scowled. "I will see him dead before I back him again," -he observed bitterly. - -The Marquis da Freitas showed his white teeth in a polite smile. "I -fear you are rather too strong for us in the boxing-ring, Sir Antony. -Perhaps some day we may find a more favourable battle-ground." - -"I hope so," said Tony. "I rather like having a shade of odds -against me. It's so much more interesting." - -He nodded cheerfully to the pair of them, and moving off from the -ring-side began to make his way across the hall. It was slow work, -for friends kept on pulling him up with boisterous words of -congratulation, while several of them made strenuous endeavours to -persuade him to join a party at some neighbouring night club, to -which they were going on for supper. - -Tony, however, declined the invitation on the plea of a previous -engagement. As he had told Guy at dinner it was his invariable -custom after a successful fight to take Bugg out to Shepherd's, the -celebrated oyster bar in Coventry Street--a resort much frequented by -gentlemen of pugilistic and sporting tastes. The simple-minded Tiger -had not many weaknesses, but on these occasions it afforded him such -extreme pleasure to be seen therewith his patron, that Tony wouldn't -have missed gratifying him for the most festive supper party in -London. - -On reaching the dressing-room he found Bugg fully clothed and in the -centre of a small levee of pressmen and fellow pugilists. McFarland, -immensely in his element, was dispensing champagne to the visitors, -and explaining how very lately his own unrivalled training methods -had contributed to the result. - -Tony stopped and chatted amiably for a few minutes until he could -manage to extract Bugg from the centre of his admirers. When at last -they succeeded in getting away they slipped out quietly by the side -door of the Club in order to avoid the crowd who were still hanging -about the front, and with a breath of relief found themselves in the -cool night air of Long Acre. - -Tony lit a cigarette and offered one to his companion. - -"You positively surpassed yourself to-night, Bugg," he said. "The -worst of it is that if you go on improving in this way, I shall have -to find a new profession. No one will dare to bet against you." - -"I 'ope I didn't shove it across 'im too sudden, sir?" inquired Bugg -anxiously. "You said you was in a hurry." - -"It was perfect," said Tony. "The only person who had any complaint -to make was King Pedro." - -Bugg sniffed contemptuously. "'E ain't much of a king, sir. I don't -wonder they give 'im the chuck. A real king wouldn't taike on abaht -droppin' a few quids." - -"I daresay you're right," said Tony. "A certain recklessness in -finance----" - -He suddenly pulled up and for a moment remained where he was, staring -across the street. On the opposite pavement, in the bright circle of -light thrown by one of the big electric standards, he had caught -sight of the figure of a girl, who at that distance reminded him -curiously of Molly Monk. She had apparently just come out of the -entrance to some flats above, and with a bag in her hand she was -standing there in an uncertain, indefinite sort of way, as though she -scarcely knew what to do next. - -Realizing that it couldn't be Molly, who was of course at the -theatre, Tony was just about to move on again, when something checked -him. - -Two well-dressed men in dark overcoats and soft hats had suddenly -appeared out of the shadow ahead and advanced quickly to where the -girl was standing. For an instant they all three remained facing -each other under the light, and then taking off his hat, one of them -addressed her. - -With a little frightened gesture the girl shrank back against the -wall, where she glanced wildly round as though seeking for some means -of escape. The man who had spoken followed her forward, his hat -still in his hand, apparently making an effort to reassure her. - -Tony turned to Bugg. "We really can't allow this sort of thing in -Long Acre," he observed. "It has always been a most respectable -street." - -He threw away his cigarette, and followed by the future champion of -England started off briskly across the road. - -On hearing their footsteps the two men spun round with some -abruptness. They were both obviously foreigners, and the sight of -their sallow faces and black moustaches filled Tony with a pleasant -sense of patriotic morality. - -Without paying any attention to either of them he walked straight up -to the girl, and taking off his hat made her a slight bow. - -"I beg your pardon," he said, "but from the other side of the road it -looked as if these gentlemen were annoying you. Can I be of any -assistance?" - -She gazed up at him with grateful eyes. At close quarters her -resemblance to Molly, though still remarkable, was not quite so -convincing. She was a little younger and slighter, and there was a -delicate air of distinction about her that was entirely her own. - -"Oh, if you would be so kind," she said in a delightfully soft voice. -"I do not wish to speak with these men. If you could send them -away--right away----" - -"Why, of course," replied Tony with his most cheerful smile, "please -don't distress yourself." - -He turned to the two sallow-faced strangers who seemed to have been -utterly disconcerted by his sudden appearance on the scene. - -"Go away," he said, "and hurry up about it." - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -LIKE A FAIRY STORY - -There was a short pause, and then the shorter of the two men stepped -forward. He was an aggressive looking person with a cast in his eye, -and he spoke with a slight foreign accent. - -"Sir," he said, "you are making a mistake. We do not intend any -insult to this lady. We are indeed her best friends. If you will be -good enough to withdraw----" - -With the gleam of battle in his eye, Bugg ranged up alongside the -speaker, and tapped him on the elbow. - -"'Ere!" he observed. "You 'eard wot the guv'nor said, didn't you?" -He jerked his thumb over his left shoulder. "'Op it before you get -'urt." - -Tony turned to the girl. "You mustn't be mixed up in a street -fight," he said. "If you will allow me to see you to a taxi, my -friend here will prevent these unpleasant looking people from -following us." - -He offered her his arm, and after a second's hesitation she laid a -small gloved hand upon his sleeve. - -"It is very kind of you," she faltered. "I fear I am going to give -you a great deal of trouble." - -"Not a bit," replied Tony. "I love interfering in other people's -affairs." - -With a swift stride the cross-eyed gentleman thrust himself across -their path. - -"No, no!" he exclaimed vehemently. "You must not listen to this man. -You----" - -With a powerful thrust of his disengaged arm Tony sent him staggering -back to the edge of the pavement, where he stumbled over the curb and -sat down heavily in the gutter. - -His companion, seeing his fall, gave a guttural cry of anger and -lifting the light stick that he was carrying lashed out savagely at -Bugg. As coolly as if he were in the ring the latter ducked under -the blow, and coming up with a beautiful straight left knocked his -assailant spinning against the lamp-post. - -[Illustration: Tony sent the fellow staggering back to the edge of -the pavement. His companion lashed out savagely at Bugg. The latter -ducked under the blow, and coming up with a beautiful straight left, -knocked his assailant spinning. Tony turned again to the girl. "I -am afraid we must tear ourselves away," he remarked. "We shall have -half London here in a moment."] - -Tony turned again to the girl at his side. "I am afraid we must tear -ourselves away," he remarked. "We shall have half London here in a -moment." - -Already from down the street came the shrill blast of a whistle, -followed a moment later by the sound of running footsteps. Heedless -of these warnings the two strangers, now apparently reckless with -fury, were collecting themselves for a fresh attack. - -"Keep them busy, Bugg," said Tony quietly; and the next instant he -and the girl were hurrying along the pavement in the direction of -Martin's Lane. That fairly prosperous thoroughfare was only a few -yards' distant, but before they could reach it the sounds of a -magnificent tumult broke out again behind them. The girl glanced -nervously over her shoulder, and her grip on Tony's arm tightened. - -"Oh!" she gasped, "oughtn't we to go back? Your friend will be hurt!" - -Tony laughed reassuringly. "If any one's hurt," he observed, "it's -much more likely to be one of the other gentlemen." - -They rounded the corner, and as they did so a disengaged taxi came -bowling opportunely up the street. Tony signalled to the driver to -stop. - -"Here we are!" he said. - -A look of frightened dismay leaped suddenly into his companion's -pretty face. - -"What's the matter?" asked Tony. - -"I--I forgot," she stammered. "I can't take a taxi. I--I haven't -any money with me." - -There was a moment's pause, while the driver bent forward from his -box listening with interest to the spirited echoes from Long Acre. - -"That's all right," remarked Tony. "We will talk about it in the -cab." He turned to the driver. "Take us to Verrier's," he said. It -was the first place that happened to come into his head. - -The man jerked his head in the direction of the noise. "Bit of a -scrap on from the sound of it, sir!" he observed. - -Tony nodded. "Yes," he said regretfully, "it's a quarrelsome world." - -He helped his companion into the taxi, and then following himself, -shut the door. The vehicle started off with a jerk, and as it swung -round the corner into Coventry Street, its occupants were able to -catch a momentary glimpse of the spot they had so recently quitted. -It appeared to be filled by a small but animated crowd, in the centre -of which a cluster of whirling figures was distinctly visible. Tony -heard the girl beside him give a faint gasp of dismay. - -"It's all right," he said. "Bugg's used to fighting. He likes it." - -She looked up at him anxiously. "He is a soldier?" she asked, in -that soft attractive voice of hers. - -Tony suppressed a laugh just in time. "Something of the sort," he -answered. Then with a pleasant feeling that the whole adventure was -becoming rather interesting he added: "I say, I have told the man to -drive us to Verrier's. I hope if you aren't in a hurry you will be -charitable and join me in a little supper--will you? I'm simply -starving." - -By the light of a passing street lamp he suddenly caught sight of the -troubled expression that had come into her eyes. - -"Do just what you like, of course," he added quickly. "If you would -rather I drove you straight home----" - -"As a matter of fact," said the girl with a sort of desperate -calmness. "I haven't a home to go to." - -There was another brief pause. "Well, in that case," remarked Tony -cheerfully, "there is no possible objection to our having a little -supper--is there?" - -For a moment she stared out of the window without replying. It was -plain that she was the prey of several contradictory emotions, of -which a vague restless fear seemed to be the most prominent. - -"I don't know what to do," she said unhappily. "You are very kind, -but----" - -"There is only one possible thing to do," interrupted Tony firmly, -"and that is to come to Verrier's. We can discuss the next step when -we get there." - -Even as he spoke the taxi swerved across the road, and drew up in -front of the famous underground restaurant. - -Before getting out the girl threw a quick hunted glance from side to -side of the street. "Do you think either of those men have followed -us?" she whispered. - -Tony shook his head comfortingly. "From what I know of Bugg," he -said, "I should regard it as highly improbable." - -He settled up with the driver, and then strolling across the -pavement, rejoined the girl, who was waiting for him just outside the -entrance. She had evidently made a great effort to recover her -self-composure, for she looked up at him with a brave if slightly -forced smile. - -"I must make myself tidy," she said, "if you won't mind waiting a -minute. I am simply not fit to be seen." - -The statement appeared to be exaggerated to Tony, but he allowed it -to pass unchallenged. - -"Please don't hurry," he said. "I want to use the telephone, and if -I finish first I can brood over what we'll have for supper." - -She smiled again--this time more naturally, and taking the -dressing-bag that he had been carrying for her, disappeared into the -cloak-room. Tony abandoned his hat and coat to a waiter, and then -sauntering forward, entered the restaurant. - -The moment he appeared the manager, who was standing on the other -side of the room, hastened across to greet him. - -"Bon soir, Sir Antony," he observed with that dazzling smile of -welcome that managers only produce for their most wealthy customers. -"May I 'ave ze pleasiare of finding you a table." - -Tony nodded indulgently. "You may, Gustave," he said: "A table for -two with flowers on it, and as far away from the band as possible." -He paused. "Also," he added, "I want a really nice little supper. -Something with imagination about it. The sort of supper that you -would offer to an angel if you unexpectedly found one with an -appetite." - -The manager bowed with a gesture of perfect comprehension. - -"And while you are wrestling with the problem," said Tony, "I should -like to use the telephone if I may." - -He was shown into the private office, where, in response to polite -and repeated requests, a lady at the Exchange eventually found -leisure to connect him with Shepherd's Oyster Bar. - -"Is Mr. 'Tiger' Bugg there?" he inquired. - -The man who had answered the call departed to have a look round, and -then returned with the information that so far Mr. Bugg had not put -in an appearance. - -"Well, if he does come," said Tony, "will you tell him for me--Sir -Antony Conway--that I shall not be able to join him. He can pick up -the car at the R.A.C." - -The man promised to deliver the message, and ringing off, Tony -strolled back through the restaurant to the place where he had parted -from his charming if slightly mysterious companion. He met her just -coming out of the cloak-room. - -"Oh, I hope I haven't kept you very long," she said penitently. - -Tony looked down into the clear amber eyes that were turned up to his -own, and thought that she was even prettier than he had at first -imagined. - -"I have only just this moment finished telephoning," he said. "The -Central Exchange are like the gods. They never hurry." - -She laughed softly, and then, as the waiter on duty opened the door -with a low bow, they walked forward into the restaurant. - -M. Gustave, more affable than ever, came up to conduct them to their -table. - -At the sight of the charming arrangement in maidenhair and narcissi -which decorated the centre, the girl gave a little exclamation of -pleasure. - -"But how beautiful!" she said. "I never knew English restaurants----" - -She stopped short as though she suddenly thought the remark were -better unfinished. - -Tony took no notice of her slight embarrassment. "I am glad you like -flowers," he said. "It's such a nice primitive, healthy taste. -Since Mr. Chamberlain died I believe I am the only person in London -who still wears a button-hole." - -They sat down on opposite sides of the table, and for the first time -he was able to enjoy a complete and leisurely survey of his companion. - -She was younger than he had thought at first--a mere girl of -seventeen or eighteen--with the complexion of a wild rose, and the -lithe, slender figure of a forest dryad. It was her red hair and the -little firm, delicately moulded chin which gave her that curious -superficial resemblance to Molly which had originally attracted his -attention. He saw now that there were several differences between -them--one of the most noticeable being the colour of their eyes. -Molly's were blue--blue as the sky, while this girl's were of clear -deep amber, like the water of some still pool in the middle of a -moorland stream. - -What charmed him most of all, however, was the faint air of sensitive -pride that hung about her like some fragrant perfume. Although -obviously frightened and apparently in a very awkward predicament, -she was yet facing the situation with nervous thoroughbred courage -that filled Tony with admiration. - -One thing struck him as rather incongruous. She had said she had no -money, and yet even to his masculine eyes it was quite clear that the -clothes she was wearing, though simple in appearance, could have been -made by a most expensive dressmaker. On the little finger of her -left hand he also noticed a sapphire and diamond ring which if real -must be of considerable value. All this combined to fill him with an -agreeable and stimulating curiosity. - -"I hope you are feeling none the worse for our wild adventures," he -said, as the waiter withdrew, after handing them the first course. - -She shook her head. "You have been extraordinarily kind," she said -in a low voice. "I have a great deal to thank you for. I--I hardly -know how to begin." - -"Well, suppose we begin by introducing ourselves," he suggested -cheerfully. "My name is Conway--Sir Antony Conway. My more intimate -friends are occasionally permitted to call me Tony." - -She hesitated a second before replying. "My name is Isabel," she -said. "Isabel Francis," she added a little lamely. - -"I shall call you 'Isabel' if I may," said Tony. "'Miss Francis' -sounds so unromantic after the thrilling way in which we became -friends." - -He paused until the waiter, who had bustled up again with a bottle of -champagne had filled their respective glasses and retired. - -"And as we have become friends," he continued, "don't you think you -can tell me how you have managed to get yourself into this--what -shall we call it--scrape? I am not asking just out of mere -curiosity. I should like to help you if I can. You see I am always -in scrapes myself, so I might be able to give you some good advice." - -The gleam of fun in his eyes, and the friendly way in which he spoke, -seemed to take away much of his companion's nervousness. She sipped -her champagne, looking at him over the top of the glass with a -simple, almost childish gratitude. - -"You have been kind and nice," she said frankly. "I don't know what -I should have done if you hadn't been there." She put down her -glass. "You see," she went on in a slower and more hesitating way, -"I--I came up to London this evening to stay with an old governess of -mine who has a flat in Long Acre. When I got there I found she had -gone away, and then I didn't know what to do, because I hadn't -brought any money with me." - -"Wasn't she expecting you?" asked Tony. - -Miss "Isabel Francis" shook her head. "No-o," she admitted. "You -see I hadn't time to write and tell her I was coming." She paused. -"I--I left home rather in a hurry," she added naïvely. - -Tony leaned back in his chair and looked at her with a smile. He was -enjoying himself immensely. - -"And our two yellow-faced friends in evening-dress," he asked. "Were -they really old acquaintances of yours?" - -The frightened, hunted look flashed back into her eyes. "No, no," -she said quickly. "I had never seen them before in my life. I had -just left the flats when they came up and spoke to me. They were -both strangers--quite absolutely strangers." - -She spoke eagerly, as though specially anxious that her words should -carry conviction, but somehow or other Tony felt a little sceptical. -He couldn't forget the fierce persistence of the two men, which -seemed quite out of keeping with the idea that they had been -interrupted in a mere piece of wanton impertinence. Besides, if what -she said about them were true it would hardly account for her -unreasoning terror that they might have followed her to the -restaurant. Being polite by nature, however, he was careful to show -no sign of doubting her statement. - -He allowed the waiter to help them both to some attractive looking -mystery in aspic, and then, when they were again alone, he leaned -forward and observed with sympathy: - -"Well, I'm glad we happened to roll up at the right time. It's -always jolly to give that sort of gentlemen a lesson in manners." He -paused. "Have you made any kind of plans about what you are going to -do next?" - -She shook her head. "I--I haven't quite decided," she said. "I -suppose I must find some place to stay at until Miss Watson comes -back." - -"How long will that be?" - -"I don't know. You see she has just gone away and shut up the flat, -and left no address." - -"Haven't you any other friends in London?" - -She shook her head again. "Nobody," she said, "at least nobody who -could help me." Then she hesitated. "I have lived in Paris nearly -all my life," she added by way of explanation. - -There was a brief silence. - -"If you will forgive my mentioning such a sordid topic," remarked -Tony pleasantly, "what do you propose to do about money?" - -"I can get some money to-morrow," she answered. "I can sell some -jewellery--this ring for instance--and there are other things in my -bag." - -"And to-night?" - -She glanced round rather desperately. "I don't know. I must go -somewhere. I was thinking that perhaps I could sit in one of the -churches--or there might be a convent--" She broke off with a little -glance, as if appealing to Tony for his advice. - -"Why not go to a hotel?" he suggested. "If you will allow me, I will -lend you some money, and you can pay me back when it's convenient." - -She flushed slightly. "Oh!" she stammered, "you are so kind. -Perhaps if I could find some quite quiet place--" She stopped again, -but looking at her, Tony could see the old hunted expression still -lurking in her eyes. Somehow he felt certain that she was thinking -about the two strangers. - -A sudden brilliant idea suggested itself to him. "Look here!" he -exclaimed. "How would this do? My butler's wife--Mrs. Spalding--has -got a small house just off Heath Street, Hampstead. I know she lets -rooms and I am pretty nearly sure that just at present there is no -one there. Why shouldn't we run up in the car and have a look at the -place? She could fix you up for the night anyway, and if you find -you like it you can stay on there till your Miss--Miss Thingumbob -comes back." - -A naturally distrustful nature was evidently not one of Isabel's -characteristics, for she received the proposal with the most frank -and genuine gratitude. - -"Oh!" she cried, "that would be nice! But won't she be asleep by -now?" - -"It doesn't matter if she is," said Tony tranquilly. "We will pick -up Spalding on the way and take him round with us to rout her out. -If she feels peevish at being waked up, she can let the steam off on -him first." - -He beckoned to the waiter and asked that accomplished henchman to -ring up the R.A.C. and instruct Jennings to bring the car round to -Verrier's. - -"And find out," he added, "whether 'Tiger' Bugg has turned up there -or not." - -The waiter departed on his mission, coming back in a few minutes with -the information that the car would be round at once, and that so far -Mr. 'Tiger' Bugg had neither been seen nor heard of. - -"I wonder where he can be," said Tony to his companion. "He can't -possibly have taken all this time to slaughter a couple of dagoes. I -am afraid the police must have interfered." - -The suggestion seemed to fill Isabel with a certain amount of dismay. - -"The police!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands. "Oh, but I hope -not. He is so brave he would have fought with them, and perhaps they -may have killed him." - -The picture of a desperately resisting Bugg being hacked to pieces on -the pavement by infuriated bobbies appealed hugely to Tony's sense of -humour. - -"I don't think it's likely," he said in a reassuring tone. "The -English police as a whole are very good-natured. They seldom take -life except in self-defence." - -He added one or two other items of information with regard to Bugg's -hardihood and fertility of resource, which seemed to comfort Isabel, -and then, with the latter's permission, he lighted a cigarette and -called for his bill. - -He was just settling it when news came that the car had arrived. He -instructed the waiter to place Isabel's bag inside, and then bidding -good-night to the bowing and valedictory M. Gustave, they walked -upstairs to the entrance. - -They found the big gleaming Rolls-Royce drawn up by the curb with -Jennings standing in a joyless attitude at the door. When his glance -fell on Isabel he looked more pessimistic than ever. - -"Any news of Bugg?" inquired Tony. - -The chauffeur shook his head. "Not a word, sir." - -"I left a message at Shepherd's that he was to come and pick you up -at the Club. I wonder what's happened to him." - -For a moment Jennings brooded darkly over the problem. "Perhaps he -got some internal injury in the fight and was took sudden with it in -the street," he suggested. "I could run round the 'orspitals and -make inquiries if you wished, sir?" - -"Thank you, Jennings," said Tony. "You are very helpful; but I think -I should prefer to go back to Hampstead." - -"Just as you please, sir," observed Jennings indifferently. - -He closed the door after them, and then mounting the driving-seat, -started off along Piccadilly. - -Isabel, who had again cast a quick glance out of each window, turned -to Tony with a smile. - -"He doesn't seem a very cheerful man, your chauffeur," she said. "He -has got such a sad voice." - -Tony nodded. "That's the reason I originally engaged him. I like to -have a few miserable people about the place: they help me to realize -how happy I am myself." - -Isabel laughed merrily. The solution of her difficulties in the way -of a lodging seemed to have taken an immense weight off her spirits, -and in the agreeably shaded light of the big limousine she looked -younger and prettier than ever. So far his new adventure struck Tony -as being quite the most interesting and promising he had ever -embarked on. - -As the car glided on through the depressing architecture of Camden -Town he began to tell her in a cheerful inconsequent sort of fashion -something about his house and general surroundings. She listened -with the utmost interest, the whole thing evidently striking her as -being highly novel and entertaining. - -"And do you live quite by yourself?" she asked. - -"Quite," said Tony. "Except for Spalding and Jennings and Bugg and a -cook and two or three maid-servants and dear old Guy!" - -"Who's Guy?" she demanded. - -"Guy," he said, "can be best described as being Guy. In addition to -that he is also my cousin and my secretary." - -"Your secretary?" she repeated. "Why, what does he do?" - -"His chief occupation is doing my tenants," said Tony. "In his spare -time he gives me good advice which I never follow. You must come to -breakfast to-morrow and make his acquaintance." - -The car turned in at the drive gates of "Goodman's Rest," which was -the felicitous name that Tony had selected for his house, and drew up -outside the front entrance. - -"I will just see if Spalding has gone to bed," he said to Isabel. -"If not it's hardly worth while your getting out." - -He opened the door with his key and entering the hall, which was -lighted softly by concealed electric lamps, pressed a bell alongside -the fireplace. Almost immediately a door swung open at the back and -Spalding appeared on the threshold. - -"Good," said Tony, "I thought you might have turned in." - -"I was about to do so, Sir Antony," replied Spalding impassively. -"May I mention how pleased we all were at the news of Bugg's success." - -"Oh, you have heard about it!" remarked Tony. "Is Bugg back then?" - -"No, sir. I took the liberty of ringing up the Cosmopolitan. The -Cook had a half-crown on, sir, and she was almost painfully anxious -to ascertain the result." - -Tony nodded his approval. "After the way she grilled that sole -to-night," he said, "I would deny her nothing." He paused. -"Spalding," he added: "are you frightened of your wife?" - -"No, sir," replied Spalding. "At least not more than most husbands, -sir." - -"Well, I want you to come and act as my ambassador. There is a young -lady in the motor outside who is in need of somewhere to sleep and -some kind and sensible person to look after her. I know Mrs. -Spalding lets rooms, and although it's rather a queer time of night -to receive a new lodger, I thought that if you came and put the case -to her tactfully, she might stretch a point to oblige me." - -Spalding's face remained beautifully expressionless. "I am sure my -wife would do anything to oblige you, sir," he observed. "If you -will excuse my saying so, you stand very high in her good opinion, -sir." - -"Indeed!" said Tony. "I am afraid you must be an extraordinarily -deceitful husband, Spalding." - -The butler bowed. "I make a point, sir, of only repeating incidents -which seem to me likely to appeal to her." - -"A very excellent habit," said Tony gravely. "Get on your hat and -coat, and we will see how it works out in practice." - -A few minutes later, with Spalding sitting on the front seat -alongside of Jennings, they were retracing their way across the -Heath. On reaching the main thoroughfare they turned up one of the -little steep streets that run off to the right, and came to a halt in -front of an old-fashioned row of small white houses, standing back -behind narrow slips of garden. - -Spalding opened the gate for them, and then leading the way up the -path, let them in at the front door with a latch-key. A feeble -flicker of gas was burning in the hall. - -"If you will wait in here, sir," he observed, opening a door on the -right, "I will go upstairs and acquaint my wife with your arrival." - -The room he showed them into, though small in size and simply -furnished, was a remarkably pleasant little apartment. In the first -place, everything was scrupulously clean, and the general impression -of cheerful freshness was heightened by a couple of bowls of -hyacinths in full bloom which stood on a table in the window. - -"How does this appeal to the taste of Isabel?" inquired Tony, -lighting himself another cigarette. - -"Why it's charming!" she exclaimed. "I shall be so happy if I can -stay here. It all seems so free and lovely after--" she checked -herself--"after where I have been living," she finished. - -"Well, I hope it will all be up to sample," said Tony, "I can't -imagine Spalding being content with anything second rate--at least -judging by his taste in wine and cigars." He paused. "What time -would you like breakfast in the morning?" - -"Breakfast?" she repeated. - -"I always call it breakfast," explained Tony. "It is such a much -healthier sounding word than lunch. Suppose I send the car round for -you about eleven? Would that be too early?" - -She shook her head, smiling. "I expect I could manage it," she said. -"You see I generally get up at eight o'clock." - -"We could have it a little earlier if you like," remarked Tony -unselfishly. - -"Oh, no," she answered. "I shall probably enjoy lying in bed -to-morrow." Then with a little laugh she added: "But surely I can -walk round. It's quite a short distance isn't it, and all across the -nice Heath?" - -"Just as you like," said Tony. "I shall send the car any way. The -morning air is so good for Jennings." - -As he spoke there was a sound of footsteps on the stairs, and a -moment later Spalding re-entered the room. - -"My wife asks me to say, sir, that she will be very pleased to make -the young lady as comfortable as possible. She is coming downstairs -herself as soon as we have withdrawn. Owing to the lateness of the -hour she is slightly--h'm--_en déshabillé_." - -"We will retire in good order," said Tony gravely. Then as Spalding -tactfully left the room he turned to Isabel. - -"Good-night, Isabel," he said. "Sleep peacefully, and don't dream -that you are being chased by yellow-faced strangers." - -She gave him her little slim cool hand, and he raised it lightly to -his lips. - -"Good-night," she answered, "and thank you, thank you again so much." -Then she paused. "It's just like a fairy story, isn't it?" she added. - -"Just," said Tony with enthusiasm. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -THE LENIENCY OF JUSTICE - -As the clock above the mantelpiece struck eleven, Guy Oliver wiped -his pen and laid it carefully down in front of him. He was sitting -at a roll-top desk in his office--a room of severely business-like -aspect, chiefly furnished with maps and filing cabinets. - -With that systematic deliberation that marked all his movements he -extracted a document from the pigeon-hole in front of him and rising -to his feet walked across to the door. In the passage outside a -neatly dressed housemaid was engaged in the task of polishing the -banisters. - -"Do you know if Sir Antony is up yet, Mary?" he inquired. - -"He has been up some little time, sir," answered the girl. "I -believe you will find him in the study. I heard him telling Mr. -Spalding to lay breakfast in there, instead of in the dining-room." - -With a look of mild surprise upon his face, Guy pursued his way -downstairs. He crossed the hall, and opening the door of the study -remained for a moment on the threshold, contemplating the scene in -front of him. - -A black oak gate-legged table, gleaming with flowers, fruit, and -silver, stood out attractively in the centre of the room, while the -spring sunshine, streaming in through the open French window, bathed -everything in its warm, inspiriting rays. Tony himself looking -delightfully cool and serene in a perfectly cut grey morning suit, -was lounging on the broad window-seat gazing out into the garden. - -He turned round at Guy's entrance. - -"Hullo, old chap!" he observed pleasantly: "just out of bed?" - -Guy took no notice of this irreverent question. He advanced to the -table, and adjusting his pince-nez, carefully inspected its contents. - -"If you will forgive my saying so, Tony," he remarked, "you are -becoming shamelessly greedy. Where on earth did you get these -peaches and hothouse grapes from?" - -"I sent Jennings into Harrod's for them," answered Tony. "A little -morning exercise is good for him, and I have a friend coming to -breakfast." - -"Oh!" said Guy. "Any one I know?" - -Tony shook his head. "I don't think so. In fact we only became -acquainted ourselves last night." - -"One of your curious sporting acquaintances, I suppose?" observed Guy -with a faint touch of disapproval. - -Tony smiled pensively. "Yes," he said, "on the whole I think we may -pass the description. If you will wait and have breakfast with us I -shall be charmed to introduce you." - -"Thanks very much," said Guy, "but I had my breakfast a couple of -hours ago. Besides I am rather busy this morning." He produced the -paper which he had brought down from the office. "I wanted to catch -you before you went out, to get you to sign this. It's the agreement -with Marshall I spoke to you about on Thursday. You had better look -it through." - -Tony pulled a fountain pen out of his inside pocket. "My dear Guy!" -he said. "I should never dream of reading a document that you had -passed as accurate. It would be a reflection on your sobriety." - -He scribbled his name in the appointed place and handed the paper -back to his cousin. - -"I see in the _Daily Mail_ this morning that Bugg won his fight all -right," remarked the latter. "What time did you get back?" - -"_I_ got back at a most respectable hour," said Tony. "I am sorry to -say I managed to lose Bugg." - -"Lose him!" echoed Guy. - -"Yes," said Tony. "You know how careless I am. I----" - -He was interrupted by a knock at the door. - -"Come in," he called out. - -The door opened and Spalding advanced with dignity across the -threshold. - -"Miss Francis," he announced. - -There was a moment's pause and then, looking slightly embarrassed but -most refreshingly beautiful, Isabel appeared in the doorway. - -Tony who had jumped to his feet came forward and took her hand. - -"Good-morning, Isabel," he said. "How wonderfully punctual you are! -You must have been very well brought up." - -She shook her head, smiling shyly. "I am afraid it is only because I -am hungry," she said. "As a rule I am late for everything." - -"We ought to get along together famously," replied Tony. "Let's see, -you don't know Guy yet, do you? Guy, let me introduce you to Isabel. -I have already acquainted her with some of your better and brighter -qualities." - -Guy, whose face was an interesting study in blended emotions, made a -little stiff bow. - -"I have been trying to persuade him to stay and have breakfast with -us," proceeded Tony mischievously, "but he says he doesn't care about -my curious sporting friends." - -With a spasmodic gesture Guy took a step forward. "Really I--I -protest," he stammered. "You mustn't listen to him, Miss Francis. -It is a gross misrepresentation." - -"I am quite sure you wouldn't say anything disagreeable, Mr.--Mr. -Guy," replied Isabel consolingly. "You have much too kind a face." - -Guy crimsoned vividly, and with a gentle chuckle Tony relieved Isabel -of her coat. - -"Don't you be deceived," he said. "You should hear the brutal way he -addresses my tenants when they want something done to their houses." - -"Oh, do shut up, Tony," remonstrated Guy. - -"Aren't you really going to stay to breakfast?" asked Isabel, -inspecting the table. "There seems to be such a lot for two." - -"I--I am afraid I can't," said Guy with some embarrassment. "I -should be delighted to, but--I have some work I must get done." He -turned to Tony. "By the way, there was a note from Henry this -morning saying that if you were going to be at home to-night he would -like to come to dinner. He wants me to ring him up and let him know." - -"I suppose we may as well get it over," said Tony sadly. "If I say -no he will only want me to dine at Rutland Gate, and that would be -worse still. The last time I went I was put next to a woman who ate -nothing but beans and drank hot water and lemon. It made me feel -quite faint." - -"Very well," said Guy. "I will tell him to come along at eight. -Don't go out and forget all about it." - -He made another stiff little bow to Isabel, and walking across to the -door, took his departure. - -"That's Guy," said Tony. "What do you think of him?" - -"I think he's rather nice," said Isabel thoughtfully. "He is just a -wee bit serious, of course, but then you want that in a secretary, -don't you?" - -Tony nodded. "Guy is wonderful," he began. "Since he came to live -with me----" - -He was interrupted by the reappearance of Spalding, who entered the -room carrying a tray full of silver dishes which sent up various -appetizing odours into the morning air. - -Isabel contemplated the feast with frank interest. - -"What a good breakfast!" she observed. "Do you always have a -breakfast like this?" - -"Always," replied Tony firmly. "I find my constitution requires it." - -He walked across to the sideboard, where Spalding had set out the -dishes, and lifting up their covers in turn announced the results to -Isabel. - -She selected mushroom omelette as a starting point, and after helping -himself lightly to the same delicacy, Tony sat down alongside of her -at the gate-legged table. - -"Well," he said, "and what's the report? Has Mrs. Spalding made you -comfortable?" - -Isabel nodded gratefully. "Yes," she said; "she has been so pleasant -and kind. She didn't seem to mind in the least my coming in like -that in the middle of the night, and this morning she had a cup of -tea and a lovely hot bath all ready for me when I woke up." She -paused. "I don't know what I should have done last night if it -hadn't been for you," she added with a sudden slight return to her -former shyness. - -"Oh, you would have been all right," said Tony cheerfully. "Somebody -else would have come along and knocked those interfering gentlemen -down for you. London is full of obliging strangers. We just had the -good luck to be the first--that was all." - -"It was not all," returned Isabel with spirit. "There was the -supper, and finding me somewhere to go to, and asking me to breakfast -this morning, and--and--oh, being so nice about everything." She -hesitated. "Your friend--the one who fought for us so bravely--I -hope he was not hurt?" - -Tony shook his head. "You couldn't hurt Bugg," he said, "except with -a pickaxe." - -"I hope you told him how grateful I was to him," she added. - -"I haven't had the chance yet," replied Tony. "He hasn't come home." - -A sudden look of concern flashed into Isabel's amber eyes. "Oh!" she -exclaimed, "perhaps he is hurt after all. Perhaps he is in a -hospital!" - -"I should think it much more likely that he's in a police station," -observed Tony. "I can't think why he hasn't rung up though, unless -it's because he is anxious to keep my name out of it. For a -prize-fighter Bugg has the most wonderfully delicate feelings." - -"A prize-fighter!" echoed Isabel. "Is he a prize-fighter -like--like--like Carpentier?" - -"Something like him," said Tony; "especially the way he covers up." -He paused. "Bugg is really quite a famous person in his way you -know. He is practically the welter-weight champion of England. He -only stays on here and works for me because it amuses him. I meant -to explain last night, but there were so many other things to talk -about." - -"I see," said Isabel slowly. "And you were just walking together?" - -"Well, as a matter of fact, Bugg had been boxing at the Cosmopolitan -Club. It was over rather earlier than we expected, and I was taking -him along to give him some supper. That's how we happened to be in -Long Acre." - -Isabel nodded. "I understand. It is all plain now. Last night I -was frightened and everything seemed so confused." - -"I don't wonder at it," said Tony sympathetically. "Unless one's led -a very strenuous life it must be horribly confusing to be suddenly -held up by a couple of dagoes in Long Acre, and then rescued by a -future champion of England." - -There was a long pause. - -"I--I feel somehow that I ought to explain," began Isabel -uncomfortably. "You have been so nice about not asking any -questions, but of course you must be wondering who I am, and--and how -things came to be like this." - -"Only mildly and pleasantly," said Tony. "I never allow my curiosity -to get painful." - -Isabel set down her cup. "I would tell you if I could," she said -rather desperately, "but there are reasons why I mustn't." - -Tony's face brightened at once. "How nice!" he observed. "I love -mystery, and so few people have any of it about them -nowadays--especially in Hampstead." - -"I hate it," exclaimed Isabel with what seemed unnecessary -bitterness: "I have had nothing else but mystery and secrets all my -life. Oh, if you only knew how lovely it was just to be oneself for -once--to be able to do and say exactly what one likes--" She paused -and took a long, deep breath. "I can't go back again," she added. -"I--I believe I should kill myself if I did." - -"Of course you can't go back," said Tony. "We settled all that last -night. You are going to stay on with Mrs. Spalding and adopt me and -Guy as cousins. I don't think there is any need to let Henry in just -at present. One would want a bit of practice before adopting Henry." - -Isabel looked across at him with that frank, almost childish smile of -hers, which contrasted so delightfully with the little touch of -dignity in her manner. - -"I should love to have some nice relations," she said. "All mine are -perfectly horrid." - -"And all mine," observed Tony, "are horribly perfect. I don't know -which is the more trying of the two." - -There was a moment's pause, and then, as if a sudden thought had -struck her, Isabel reached across to the adjoining chair, and -unhooked the little silver chain-bag which she had brought in with -her. - -"Oh," she said, "before I forget I wanted to ask you if you would be -so kind as to do something for me. I hate bothering you, but you see -I don't know any one else, and I'm so ignorant about this kind of -thing." She took out a couple of rings and a brooch and pushed them -across the table. "It's to sell them," she added. "I--I think they -ought to be worth something." - -Tony picked up the brooch. It was a beautiful piece of work--a large -single and absolutely flawless emerald, delicately set in gold. -Without being an expert in such matters he knew enough of precious -stones to realize that it was of considerable value. - -"I should think this would do to begin with," he said, "unless you -are going to be very extravagant. It ought to bring in bread and -butter for the rest of your life-time." - -Isabel's face lighted up. "Will it really!" she exclaimed. "How -lovely. I never thought it would be worth as much as that!" - -Tony turned his attention to the rings, which in their way were every -bit as good as the brooch. One was the half-hoop of sapphires and -diamonds which he had noticed on the previous evening, the other -consisted of three very fine rubies, mounted in a curious, -old-fashioned setting that seemed to be of Eastern origin. - -He examined them both with much interest and then handed them back to -Isabel. - -"You must keep them," he said. "They are much too beautiful to sell, -and besides, there is no need to sell them. The brooch will bring -you in quite a lot of money, and you can always get credit from the -milkman as long as you wear rubies and diamonds." - -Isabel smiled, and slipping on the two rings held them out for Tony's -inspection. - -"I am so glad," she said happily. "I should hate to have sold them -really. You see they belonged--" She again came to an abrupt and -rather confused halt. "They belonged to my great-grandmother," she -finished weakly. - -"Indeed," said Tony in a perfectly grave voice. "She must have had -charming hands." - -There was a light tap at the door, and after a moment's delay the -discreet figure of Spalding again appeared on the threshold. - -"I beg pardon, Sir Antony," he observed, "but Bugg has just returned. -I thought you might wish to be informed." - -Tony pushed back his chair. "What has he been doing with himself?" -he asked. - -"I fancy, sir," returned Spalding impassively, "that he has been -spending the night in the Bow Street police station." - -"Oh!" exclaimed Isabel in a horrified voice. - -"Really!" said Tony. "How exciting!" He turned to Isabel. "Shall -we have him up?" - -She nodded eagerly. - -"Send him along, Spalding," continued Tony. "He needn't trouble -about making himself beautiful. Tell him I should like to see him at -once." - -The butler withdrew, and a few moments later Bugg appeared in the -doorway. He saluted Tony with a cheerful grin, and then, as he -caught sight of Isabel, a sudden embarrassment seemed to descend upon -his spirit. He coughed apologetically, lowered his eyes, and -shuffled slightly with one foot. - -"Good-morning, Bugg," said Tony. "Come and sit down." - -Bugg advanced cautiously to the nearest chair and seated himself on -the extreme edge. - -"Mornin', sir," he observed. Then, throwing a nervous glance at -Isabel, he added hoarsely, "Pleased to see yer, Miss." - -"I am very pleased to see you," said Isabel a little shyly. "I want -to thank you for what you did last night. I am so sorry they took -you to prison." - -Bugg stared hard at the carpet. "That's all right, Miss," he -muttered. "Don't you worry abaht that, Miss." - -Tony offered Isabel a cigarette, and then lit one himself. - -"You were magnificent, Bugg," he said. "Tell us what happened after -we left." - -Bugg coughed again. "Well, sir, 'twas this wy, sir. Seein' as you -and the young laidy was best aht of it, I jest keeps them two Daigoes -busy like withaht puttin' 'em through it. It didn't seem to me as no -one was goin' to taike the trouble to foller you when 'e could be -standin' there watchin' a scrap fur nothin'." - -"I hope you didn't get hurt," said Isabel, who, with a slightly -bewildered expression, had been trying to follow this narrative. - -Bugg shook his head. "Not me, Miss. It was jest a 'alf 'oliday fur -me till they starts usin' their feet, and then I 'anded 'em a couple -of flaps in the jaw quick, an' that steadied 'em. Not as I think -they meant no 'arm, Miss. There's parts o' the world where they -don't know no better. - -"Yours is a generous heart, Bugg," said Tony. "What happened next?" - -"The rozzers come then, sir--a pair of 'em, sir. They busts in -through the crowd like tigers, and afore ye could wink, one of 'em -grabs onter me, and the other cops 'old of the tall Daigo." - -"And the second man--the one with the crooked eyes?" asked Isabel -quickly. "What happened to him?" - -"Well, I don't rightly know, Miss," said Bugg apologetically. "Yer -see, 'e weren't there in a manner o' speakin'. 'E'd gorn across the -street when I give 'im that shove in the jaw, an 'e 'adn't 'ad time -to come back. I think the coppers missed 'im." - -"But they stuck to you two all right?" said Tony. - -Bugg nodded his head. "Yus, sir, we all goes orf to the staition -together--me an' the cops an' the Daigo an' the 'ole bloomin' street -arter us. It weren't 'alf a picnic, sir, I can tell yer. Well, w'en -we gets to the staition, I sees the inspector--'im wot taikes the -charge--lookin' partikler 'ard at me, but 'e don't say nothin', 'cept -to ask me my naime and address. - -"''Erbert Johnson of 'Igh Street, Keington,' says I. It was the fust -thing as comes into my 'ead. - -"'An' you?' says 'e, turnin' to the Daigo. - -"'My naime is Smith,' says the Daigo in 'is funny foreign wy o' -speakin'. - -"'It's a good naime,' says the inspector, writin' it dahn. 'Wot's -all this trouble abaht?' - -"'It was a misunderstandin',' says the Daigo very 'aughty like. 'I -declines to answer any further questions.' - -"'You got anything to sy, 'Erbert Johnson,' says 'e to me. - -"'I agree with the gen'leman wot's just spoke, sir,' says I. - -"'Very well,' says 'e. 'This is a matter fur 'is Honour, this is. -You'll 'ave to stop 'ere the night, the pair of ye, unless ye've got -some kind friends as'll come along an' bail yer aht.' - -"'E looks at us both, but the Daigo don't sy nothin' and I thinks to -meself the more privit we keeps this 'ere little mixup the better fur -all parties concerned. So I lays low too, an' orf we goes to the -cells, saime as a couple o' ord'nary drunks and disorderlies." - -Bugg paused for a moment, and a reminiscent grin spread slowly across -his face. - -"It's a good story," said Tony encouragingly. "Go on with it." - -"Well, sir, I 'adn't bin in the cell very long w'en the door opens -and who should come in but the inspector 'isself. 'E looks me up an' -dahn with a kinder twinkle in 'is eye, an' then 'e says, ''Erbert -Johnson,' 'e says, 'w'y the 'ell didn't yer dot 'im one o' them left -'ooks o' yours, and then we shouldn't 'ave 'ad all this trouble?' -Well, that done it, sir! I twigs at once 'e'd spotted who I was, and -seein' 'e meant ter be friendly like I ups and tells 'im just exactly -'ow it 'ad all come abaht. 'Don't worry,' says 'e ter me; 'your -blue-chinned pal don't want a fuss no more'n you do. 'E's jest bin -bribin' and corruptin' o' me to run the caise through as a ord'nary -street quarrel, an' seein' as we're told ter be kind to straingers, -per'aps I might see my wy ter do it.' Then 'e puts 'is 'and on my -shoulder. 'As fur you, 'Erbert Johnson,' 'e says, 'you gotter come -along with me an' be introjooced to some o' the boys. We does a bit -o' scrappin' 'ere in our spare time, an' 'tain't often we 'as the -honour of entertaining a future champion of England.' - -"With that, sir, 'e taikes me upstairs to the inspector's room, where -there was 'alf a dozen cops sittin' arahnd smokin' and drinkin' saime -as if it was a pub or a privit drorin' room. Talk o' sports, -sir--w'y Gawd love us I might a bin the King of England the wy they -treated me. 'Tell us abaht the fight, Tiger,' they says, and if -you'd seen me sittin' there, sir, with a large Bass in one 'and and a -four-penny stinker in the other and all them cops 'angin' on my -words, ye'd 'ave laughed fit ter bust yerself, sir." - -Tony nodded his head. "I have always suspected that the police led a -double life," he said. - -"They're all right, sir," explained Bugg earnestly, "on'y they got -their livin' to get, saime as other folks. They treated me proper, -they did. Gimme a 'addick fur breakfast next mornin', and w'en the -caise comes on they 'as it all arrainged fur us right an' simple as -anything. The copper as took us 'e tells 'is little bit, saime as -wot 'e'd fixed up with the inspector, an' then the Beak--'ole Sir -'Orace Samuel it was--'e puts on 'is glasses and blinks rahnd at the -pair of us. 'Either o' the prisoners any observations to hoffer?' 'e -says. 'E waits 'alf a tick, an' then as neither of us says nothin', -'e scratches 'is 'ead and grunts aht, 'seven-and-sixpence an' costs, -an' 'urry up with the nex' caise.'" - -Bugg stopped, and wiping his forehead with his coat sleeve looked -from Tony to Isabel and then back again at his patron. - -"An' that's abaht all, sir," he added. "We forks out the rhino, and -then I gets a taxi-cab and tells the bloke to bung along 'ere as -quick as 'e can shift." He hesitated for a moment. "I 'ope I done -the right thing, sir?" he finished anxiously. - -There was a long pause. - -"You always do the right thing, Bugg," said Tony, at last. "It's -almost a disease with you." - -He pushed back his chair and for a little while remained gazing -thoughtfully at the marmalade pot. - -"Bugg," he said; "have you any special engagements the next few days?" - -"Not as I knows on, sir," replied Tiger, innocently. - -Tony nodded his head. "Good," he observed, and without further -comment he renewed his contemplation of the breakfast table. - -"There's the matter o' the stakes, sir," Bugg ventured to remind him. -"'Alf-past twelve, sir, was the time Dr. Donaldson said they'd be -payin' over." - -Tony again nodded. "That will be all right, Bugg," he said. "I will -go down to the Club myself and collect the royal booty. I only hope -Da Freitas will turn up personally. It would give me great pleasure -to watch him writing out the cheque." - -He looked across smilingly towards Isabel, and saw to his amazement -that she had suddenly gone as white as a sheet. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -PRICING AN HEIRLOOM - -Tony was so surprised that for a moment he remained just as he was. -Then suddenly recovering himself he turned back to Bugg. - -"You had better go along and find yourself something to eat, -'Tiger,'" he said. "That haddock must be getting a little historical -by now." - -Bugg rose to his feet with a grin. "I could shift a bit, sir," he -observed, "an' that ain't 'alf a fact." - -"Tell the cook what you'd like," said Tony. "After last night she -will do anything for you." He paused. "I want to see you again -before I go out," he added. - -Bugg touched his forehead, and after making a respectful obeisance to -Isabel withdrew from the room. Tony followed him to the door, and -then closing it after him, turned back leisurely towards the table. -Though she still looked a little pale and upset, the interval had -obviously done Isabel good. - -"Is there anything the matter?" asked Tony kindly. - -She shook her head, with a plucky if rather unsuccessful attempt at a -smile. "No," she said, "I--I didn't feel very well for a moment. -It's nothing--absolutely nothing." She paused, her lower lip caught -nervously between her small white teeth. "I don't think I ought to -bother you any more," she added with a kind of forced calmness. "I -think perhaps it would be best after all if I--if I found somewhere -else to go to." - -Tony made a gesture of dissent. "It can't be done," he said gravely. -"You see you are my lodger now, and you have got to give me a full -week's notice." Then with a sudden change he went on: "You mustn't -be selfish you know, Isabel. You can't float into people's lives out -of Long Acre with all sorts of delightful suggestions of romance and -mystery about you, and then simply disappear again the next morning. -It's not playing the game. I should feel like a man who had been -turned out of a theatre at the end of the first act." - -"You don't understand," said Isabel almost in a whisper. - -"I know I don't," said Tony cheerfully. "That's what's so charming -about it." He paused. "Suppose we have a week's trial at all -events?" he suggested. "If it turns out a failure it will be just as -easy for you to disappear then. You know both Guy and I improve on -acquaintance--really. You mustn't judge us by what we are like at -breakfast. We get much more bright and pleasant as the day wears on." - -In spite of herself Isabel laughed. "It isn't that I don't want to -stay," she said. "I--I like you both very much." She hesitated and -looked nervously round the room as if seeking for inspiration. "It's -what might happen," she added. "I can't explain, but I might be the -cause of getting you into trouble or--or even danger." - -"That's all right," said Tony. "I like danger, and Guy simply adores -trouble. He takes it with everything." - -Isabel made a faint gesture of helplessness. "Oh," she said. "I -can't go on arguing. You are so obstinate. But I have warned you, -haven't I?" - -Tony nodded. "If you like to call it a warning," he said. "I look -on it more as a promise. If you knew how dull Hampstead was you -would understand our morbid thirst for a little unhealthy excitement." - -"I don't think I should find Hampstead dull," remarked Isabel a shade -wistfully. "It seems to me just beautifully peaceful. I think I -should like to live here for ever, and do exactly what I want to, and -not be bothered about anything." - -"But that's precisely what I am suggesting," observed Tony. - -Isabel smiled again. She seemed to be recovering her spirits. "I -should have to get some clothes first," she said. "I couldn't live -here for ever on the contents of one small dressing-bag." - -"It sounds inadequate," agreed Tony, "but I think that's a difficulty -we might get over. I was just going to propose that you should take -the car and Mrs. Spalding this afternoon, and go and do some -shopping." - -Isabel's eyes sparkled. "How lovely!" she exclaimed. Then a sudden -cloud came over her face. "But I forgot," she added, "I haven't any -money--not until you have sold the brooch for me." - -"That doesn't matter," said Tony. "If you will let me, I will -advance you fifty pounds, and you can pay me to-morrow when we settle -up." - -Isabel took a deep breath. "Oh, you are kind," she said. Then for a -moment she paused, her forehead knitted as though some unpleasant -thought had suddenly come into her mind. - -"Anything wrong?" inquired Tony. - -She looked round again with the same half-nervous, half-hunted -expression he had seen before. - -"I was thinking," she faltered. "Those two men. I wonder if there -is any chance that I might meet them again. I--I know it's silly to -be frightened, but somehow or other--" She broke off as if hardly -knowing how to finish the sentence. - -Tony leaned across the table and took her hand in his. - -"Look here, Isabel," he said, "you have got to forget those -ridiculous people. Whoever they are it is quite impossible for them -to interfere with you again. We don't allow our adopted cousin to be -frightened by anybody, let alone a couple of freaks out of a comic -opera. I would have come shopping with you myself this afternoon if -I hadn't promised to try out a new car at Brooklands. As it is I am -going to send Bugg. He will sit in front with Jennings, and if you -want any one knocked down you have only to mention the fact and he -will do it for you at once." - -Isabel looked across at him gratefully. "It's just like having a -private army of one's own," she said. - -Tony nodded approvingly. "That's the idea exactly. We'll call -ourselves the Isabel Defence Force, and we'll make this our -headquarters. You are really quite safe, you know, with Mrs. -Spalding, but you can always retreat here when you feel specially -nervous." He patted her hand encouragingly, and sat back in his -chair. "Why not stay here now," he suggested, "until you go -shopping? No one will bother you. You can sit in the garden and -read a book, or else go to sleep in the hammock. Spalding will get -you some lunch when you feel like it." - -"Lunch!" echoed Isabel, opening her eyes. "What, after this?" She -made an eloquent little gesture towards the sideboard. - -"Certainly," said Tony. "The Hampstead climate is very deceptive. -One requires a great deal of nourishment." - -"Is the nourishment compulsory?" asked Isabel. "If not I think I -should like to stay." - -"You shall do exactly what you please about everything," said Tony. -"I believe in complete freedom--at all events for the upper classes." - -He got up, and crossing the room to an old oak bureau in the corner, -took out a cheque book from the drawer and filled in a cheque for -fifty pounds. This he blotted and handed to Isabel. - -"Here's a piece of the brooch for you to go on with," he said. -"Jennings will drive you to the bank first, and after that he will -take you wherever you want to go. Don't worry about keeping him -waiting or anything of that sort. He is quite used to it, and he -always looks unhappy in any case." - -Isabel daintily folded up the cheque and put it away in her bag. -Underneath her obvious gratitude there was a certain air of -naturalness about the way she accepted Tony's help that the latter -found immensely fascinating. It reminded him somehow of a child or a -princess in a fairy story. - -"I shall love going shopping again," she began frankly. "It will -seem like--" Once more she paused, and then as if she had suddenly -changed her mind about what she intended to say, she added a little -confusedly: "Oughtn't I to let Mrs. Spalding know that I want her to -come with me this afternoon?" - -Tony shook his head. "I think we can manage that for you," he said. -"The house is full of strong, idle men." He got up from the desk. -"Come along and let me introduce you to the library, and then you can -find yourself something to read." - -He led the way across the hall, and as he opened the door of the -apartment in question Isabel gave a little exclamation of surprise -and pleasure. - -"Oh, but what a lovely lot of books!" she said. "I should never have -guessed you were so fond of reading." - -"I'm not," said Tony. "I never read anything except Swinburne and -_The Autocar_. Most of these belonged to my grandfather. Books were -a kind of secret vice with him. He collected them all his life and -left them to me in his will because he was quite sure they would -never get any thumb-marks on them." - -Isabel laughed softly, and advancing to the nearest case began to -examine the titles. Tony watched her for a moment, and then -strolling out into the hall, made his way back to the morning-room, -where he pressed the electric bell. - -"Spalding," he said, when that incomparable retainer answered his -summons, "I have invited Miss Francis to make use of the house and -garden as much as she pleases. When I am not in I shall be obliged -if you will see that she has everything she wants." - -Spalding's face remained superbly impassive. "Certainly, Sir -Antony," he replied, with a slight bow. - -"And send Bugg here," added Tony. "I want to speak to him before I -go out." - -Spalding withdrew, and after a moment or two had elapsed, "Tiger" -appeared on the threshold hastily swallowing a portion of his -interrupted lunch. - -"Sorry to disturb you, Bugg," said Tony, "but I want you to do -something for me, if you will." - -"You on'y got to give it a naime, sir," observed the Tiger with a -final and successful gulp. - -"I want you to go out in the car this afternoon, as well as Jennings. -Miss Francis is going to do some shopping, and it's just possible -that the two gentlemen who were annoying her last night might try the -same thing again." - -Bugg's grey-green eyes opened in honest amazement. "Wot!" he -exclaimed. "Ain't they 'ad enough yet? W'y if I'd knowed that I'd -'ave laid fur the tall one and give 'im another shove in the jaw w'en -'e come outer Court this mornin'." He paused and took an indignant -breath. "Wot's their gaime any way, sir--chaisin' a young lidy like -that?" - -Tony shook his head. "I don't know exactly, Bugg," he said, "but -whatever it is I mean to put a stop to it. It is our duty to -encourage a high moral standard amongst the inferior races." - -"Cert'nly, sir," observed Bugg approvingly. "I always says with a -German or a Daigo it's a caise of 'it 'im fust an' argue with 'im -arterwards. You can't maike no mistake then, sir." - -"It seems a good working principle," admitted Tony. "Still there are -occasions in life when strategy--you know what strategy is, Bugg?----" - -The other scratched his head. "Somethin' like gettin' a bloke to -lead w'en 'e don't want to, sir," he hazarded. - -"You have the idea," said Tony. "Well, as I was about to observe, -there are occasions in life when strategy is invaluable. I am -inclined to think that this is one of them." - -Bugg eyed him with questioning interest. "Meanin' to sye, sir?" - -"Meaning to say," added Tony, "that I should rather like to find out -who these gentlemen are who are worrying Miss Francis. If we knew -their names we might be able to bring a little moral pressure to bear -on them. Knocking people down in the street is such an unchristian -remedy--besides it gets one into trouble with the police." - -"Then I ain't to shove it across 'em?" remarked Bugg in a slightly -disappointed voice. - -Tony shook his head. "Not unless they insist on it," he said. "As a -matter of fact I don't think there is really much chance of your -meeting them: it's only that I shall feel more comfortable if I know -you are in the car." - -Bugg nodded his comprehension. "That's all right, sir," he observed -reassuringly. "I'll bring the young laidy back saife an' 'earty. -You leave it ter me." - -"Thank you, Bugg," said Tony. "I shall now be able to go round -Brooklands with a light heart." - -He strolled back to the library, where he found Isabel kneeling upon -the broad window-seat looking into a book which she had taken down -from a neighbouring shelf. She made a charming picture with her -copper-coloured hair gleaming in the sunlight. - -"Good-bye, Isabel," he said. "I wish I could see you again before -to-morrow, but I am afraid there isn't much chance. I can't very -well ask you to dinner because of Cousin Henry. He would rush away -and tell all my relations and half the House of Commons." - -A gleam of dismay flashed into Isabel's eyes. - -"The House of Commons!" she repeated. "Is your cousin a statesman -then, a--a--diplomat?" - -"He is under that curious impression," said Tony. - -Isabel laid her hand quickly upon his sleeve. "You mustn't let him -know I am here. Promise me, won't you? Promise you won't even say -that you have met me." - -There was a frightened urgency in her demand that rilled Tony with a -fresh surprise. - -"Of course I promise," he said. "I have no intention of telling any -one I have met you, and as for telling about you to Henry--well, I -should as soon think of playing music to a bullock." He glanced up -at the clock. "I must be off," he added. "I will bring the car -round to-morrow and we will have a nice long run in the country. In -the meanwhile try and remember that you've got absolutely nothing to -be frightened about. You are as safe with us as if you were a -thousand pound note in the Bank of England." - -He gave her fingers an encouraging squeeze, and then leaving her -looking after him with grateful eyes, he walked across the hall to -the front door, where Jennings was standing beside the big Peugot. - -"Jennings," said Tony, getting into the driving-seat, "I have -arranged for you to take Miss Francis shopping this afternoon in the -Rolls-Royce. Bugg and Mrs. Spalding will be coming with you." - -"Very good, sir," responded Jennings joylessly. - -"You will take Miss Francis to my bank first: after that she will -give you her own instructions." He paused. "It's just possible you -may meet with a little interference from a couple of foreign -gentlemen. In that event I shall be obliged if you will assist Bugg -in knocking them down." - -Jennings' brow darkened. "If any one comes messin' around with my -car," he observed bitterly, "I'll take a spanner to 'em quick. I -don't hold with this here fist fighting: it's foolishness to my mind." - -"Just as you please, Jennings," said Tony. "As the challenged party -you will be fully entitled to choose your own weapons." - -He slipped in his second speed, and gliding off down the drive -emerged on to the Heath. The main road was thickly strewn with -nursemaids, and elderly gentlemen, who had apparently selected it as -a suitable spot from which to admire the famous view, but avoiding -them with some skill, Tony reached the top of Haverstock Hill, and -turned up to the right in the direction of the Spaldings' house. - -His ring at the bell was answered by Mrs. Spalding herself--a -respectable-looking woman of about forty. She welcomed Tony with a -slightly flustered air of friendly deference. - -"Good-morning, Mrs. Spalding," he said. - -"Good-morning, Sir Antony," she replied. "Won't you step inside, -sir?" - -Tony shook his head. "I mustn't wait now. I have got to be at the -Club in twenty minutes. I only came round to thank you for your -kindness to Miss Francis. She tells me you have looked after her -like a mother." - -Mrs. Spalding seemed pleased, if a trifle embarrassed. - -"I am very glad to have been of any service, Sir Antony. Not but -what it's been a pleasure to do anything I could for Miss Francis. A -very nice young lady, sir--and a real one, too, if I'm any judge of -such matters." - -"I think you're a first-class judge," said Tony, "and I am glad you -like her, because I want her to stay on with you for a bit. The fact -of the matter is--" he came a step nearer and his voice assumed a -pleasantly confidential tone--"Miss Francis is an orphan, and she has -been compelled to leave her guardian because he drinks and treats her -badly. Besides he's a foreigner, and you know what most of them are -like." - -"Not a German, sir!" exclaimed Mrs. Spalding feelingly. - -"No, it's not quite as bad as that," said Tony. "Still he is a -brute, and I have made up my mind to keep her out of his hands until -her aunt comes back from America. If you will help us, I think we -ought to be able to manage it all right." - -The combined chivalry and candour of Tony's attitude in the affair -evidently appealed to Mrs. Spalding's finer nature. - -"I think you are acting very right, sir," she replied warmly. "A -young lady like that didn't ought to be left in charge of a -foreigner--let alone one who's given to the drink. If I can be of -any assistance you can count on me, Sir Antony." - -"Good!" said Tony. "Well, in the first place, if you can manage it, -I want you to go shopping with her this afternoon in the car. She -has to buy some clothes and things, and it isn't safe for her to be -about in the West End alone. If she came across her guardian he -would be quite likely to try and get her back by force." - -"They're a desperate lot, some of them foreigners, when they're -baulked," observed Mrs. Spalding seriously. - -Tony nodded. "That's why I have arranged to send Bugg with you. -There is not really much chance of your meeting with any -interference, but just in case you did--well, you could leave him to -discuss the matter, and come along home." He paused. "You won't let -Miss Francis think I have been talking about her private -affairs--will you?" - -Mrs. Spalding made a dignified protest. "I shouldn't dream of no -such thing, Sir Antony. I quite understand as you've been speaking -to me in confidence." - -Tony held out his hand, which, after a moment's respectful -hesitation, the worthy woman accepted. - -"Well, I am very much obliged to you, Mrs. Spalding," he said. "You -have helped me out of a great difficulty." He stepped up into the -driving-seat and took hold of the wheel. "The car will be coming -round about half-past two," he added, "and I expect Miss Francis will -be in it." - -Mrs. Spalding curtseyed, and responding with a polite bow over the -side, Tony released his brake and glided off down the hill. - -He did not drive direct to the Club, for on reaching Oxford Street he -made a short detour through Hanover Square, and pulled up outside -Murdock and Mason, the long established and highly respectable firm -of jewellers. He was evidently known there, for so sooner had he -entered the shop than the senior partner, Mr. Charles Mason, a -portly, benevolent old gentleman with a white beard, stepped forward -to greet him. - -"Good-morning, Sir Antony," he observed, smiling pleasantly through -his gold-rimmed spectacles; "we haven't had the pleasure of seeing -you for quite a long time. I trust you are keeping well?" - -"I am very well indeed, thank you, Mr. Mason," said Tony. "In fact I -am not at all sure I am not better than I deserve to be." He put his -hand in his pocket and pulled out Isabel's brooch. "I have come to -ask you if you will do me a kindness." - -Mr. Mason beamed more affably than ever. "Anything in my power, at -any time, Sir Antony." - -"Well, I should like you to tell me how much this is worth. I don't -want to sell it: I just want to find out its value." - -Mr. Mason took the brooch, and adjusting his spectacles bent over it -with professional deliberation. It was not long before he looked up -again with a mingled expression of interest and surprise. - -"I don't know whether you are aware of the fact, Sir Antony," he -remarked, "but you have a very exceptional piece of old jewellery -here. The stone is one of the finest emeralds I have ever seen, and -as for the setting--" he again peered curiously at the delicate gold -tracery--"well, I don't want to express an opinion too hastily, but I -am inclined to put it down as ancient Moorish work of a remarkably -beautiful kind." He paused. "I trust that you wouldn't consider it -a liberty, Sir Antony, if I inquire whether you could tell me -anything of its history." - -"It belonged to my cousin's great-grandmother," said Tony placidly. -"That's all I know about it at present." - -"Indeed," said Mr. Mason, "indeed! It would be of great interest to -discover where it was obtained from. A stone of this quality, to say -nothing of its exceptionally rare setting, is almost bound to have -attracted attention. I should not be surprised to find it had -figured in the collection of some very eminent personage." - -"What do you suppose it's worth?" asked Tony. - -Mr. Mason hesitated for a moment. "Apart from any historical -interest it may possess," he replied slowly, "I should put its value -at something between five and seven thousand pounds." - -"Really!" said Tony. "I had no idea my cousin's great-grandmother -was so extravagant." He picked up the brooch. "I wonder if you -could find me a nice strong case for it, Mr. Mason. Somebody might -run into me at Brooklands this afternoon, and it would be a pity to -get it chipped." - -The old jeweller accepted the treasure with almost reverent care, and -calling up one of his assistants entrusted it to the latter's charge. -In a minute or so the man returned with a neatly fastened and -carefully sealed little package, which Tony thrust into his pocket. - -"Well, good-bye, Mr. Mason," he said, "and thank you so much. If I -find out anything more about my cousin's great-grandmother I will let -you know." - -Bowing and beaming, Mr. Mason led the way to the door. "I should be -most interested--most interested, Sir Antony. Such a remarkable -piece of work must certainly possess a history. I shouldn't be -surprised if it had belonged to any one--any one--from Royalty -downwards." - -Half-past twelve was just striking when Tony came out of the shop. -The distance is not far from Bond Street to Covent Garden, but as -intimate students of London are aware the route on occasions is apt -to be a trifle congested. It was therefore about ten minutes after -the appointed time when Tony pulled up outside the Cosmopolitan and -jumping down from the car made his way straight through the hall to -Donaldson's private sanctum, where the ceremony of settling up was -invariably conducted. - -The first person who met his eyes on entering the room was the -Marquis da Freitas. Despite his rôle as payer-out that distinguished -statesman appeared to be in the best of spirits, and was chatting -away to a small knot of members that included "Doggy" Donaldson and -Dick Fisher the referee. In a corner of the room, tastefully arrayed -in a check suit and lemon-coloured gloves, lounged the slightly -crestfallen figure of Mr. "Lightning" Lopez. - -"I am so sorry to have kept you all waiting," said Tony. "I haven't -even the excuse of having to come up from Richmond--like the Marquis." - -Da Freitas, who was in the act of lighting a cigar, waved aside the -apology with a characteristic gesture. "A few minutes' grace are -always permissible, Sir Antony, except where a lady is concerned. As -for my own punctuality--" he shrugged his shoulders and showed his -white teeth in an amiable smile--"Well, I was staying at Claridge's -last night, so I had even less distance to come than you." - -[Illustration: "I am so sorry to have kept you waiting," said Tony. -"I haven't even the excuse of having to come up from Richmond--like -the Marquis." Da Freitas, who was in the act of lighting a cigar, -waved aside the apology. "A few minutes' grace are always -permissible, Sir Antony, except where a lady is concerned."] - -There was a short pause. "Well, as we are all here," broke in the -genial rumble of "Doggy" Donaldson, "what d'ye say to gettin' to -work? No good spinning out these little affairs--is it?" - -This sentiment seeming to meet with general approval, the company -seated themselves round the big table in the centre. The proceedings -did not take long, for after Donaldson had written out a cheque for -the stakes and purse, and handed fifty pounds, which represented the -loser's end, to Lopez, there remained nothing else to do except to -settle up private wagers. Tony, who was occupying the pleasant -position of receiver-general, stuffed away the spoils into his -pocket, and then following the time-honoured custom of the Club on -such occasions, sent out for a magnum of champagne. - -"I am sorry the King isn't with us," he observed to Da Freitas. "I -should like to drink his health and wish him better luck next time." - -"We all should!" exclaimed "Doggy" filling up his glass. "Gentlemen, -here's to our distinguished fellow-member, King Pedro of Livadia, and -may he soon get his own back on those dirty skunks who gave him the -chuck." - -A general chorus of "Hear, hear," "Bravo," greeted this elegant -little ovation, for if Pedro himself had failed to inspire any -particular affection in the Club, its members shared to the full that -fine reverence for the Royal Principle which is invariably found -amongst sportsmen, actors, licensed victuallers, and elderly ladies -in boarding-houses. - -The Marquis da Freitas acknowledged the toast with that easy and -polished urbanity which distinguished all his actions. - -"I can assure you, gentlemen," he observed, "that amongst the many -agreeable experiences that have lightened His Majesty's temporary -exile there is none that he will look back on with more pleasure than -his association with the Cosmopolitan Club. It is His Majesty's -earnest hope, and may I add mine also, that in the happy and I trust -not far distant days when our at present afflicted country has -succeeded in ridding herself of traitors and oppressors we shall have -the opportunity of returning some portion of that hospitality which -has been so generously lavished on us in England. I can only add -that there will never be any visitors to Livadia more welcome to us -than our friends of the Cosmopolitan Club." - -A heartfelt outburst of applause greeted these sentiments--the idea -of being the personal guests of a reigning sovereign distinctly -appealing to the members present. - -"I hope he means it," whispered "Doggy" Donaldson in Tony's ear. -"I'd like to see a bit of bull fightin', and they tell me the -Livadian gals--" He smacked his lips thoughtfully as though in -anticipation of what might be accomplished under the ægis of a royal -patron. - -Having created this favourable impression the Marquis da Freitas -looked at his watch and announced that he must be going. Tony, who -had promised to lunch at Brooklands before the trial, also rose to -take his departure, and together they passed out of the room and down -the corridor. - -As they reached the hall, the swing door that led out into the street -was suddenly pushed open and a man in a frock coat and top hat strode -into the Club. He was a remarkable-looking gentleman--not unlike an -elderly and fashionably dressed edition of Don Quixote. A dyed -imperial and carefully corseted figure gave him at first sight the -appearance of being younger than he really was, but his age could not -have been far short of sixty. - -The most striking thing about him, however, was his obvious -agitation. His face was worried and haggard, and his hands were -switching nervously like those of a man suffering from some -uncontrollable mental excitement. - -He came straight across the hall towards the porter's box, and then -catching sight of Da Freitas turned towards him with an involuntary -interjection of relief. - -"Oh, you _are_ here," he exclaimed. "Thank God I----" - -He paused abruptly as he suddenly perceived Tony in the background, -and at the same instant the Marquis stepped forward and laid a hand -on his shoulder. - -"My dear fellow," he said in that smooth, masterful voice of his, -"how good of you to look me up! Come along in here and have a chat." - -On the right of the hall was a small room specially reserved for the -entertainment of visitors, and before the stranger could have uttered -another syllable--even if he had wished to, the Marquis had drawn him -across the threshold and closed the door behind them. - -For several seconds Tony remained where he was, contemplating the -spot where they had disappeared. Then, with that pleasant, unhurried -smile of his, he pulled out his case, and slowly and thoughtfully -lighted himself a cigarette. - -"One might almost imagine," he observed, "that Da Freitas didn't want -to take me into his confidence." - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -BUGG'S STRATEGY - -There was a knock outside. - -"Come in," said Tony, who was arranging his tie in front of the glass. - -The door opened, and Guy Oliver walked into the bedroom. He was in -evening dress, which if possible made him look more sedate than ever. - -"Hullo, Guy!" said Tony; "I am afraid I am a little late. Is Cousin -Henry fuming on the mat?" - -Guy shook his head. "He hasn't turned up yet: it's only just gone -half-past." He seated himself on the end of the bed. "How did you -get on at Brooklands?" he asked. - -Tony stepped back from the glass and contemplated his tie with some -satisfaction. - -"I had quite a cheerful day," he replied. "I managed to squeeze -eighty-six out of her, and finished up by breaking the back-axle." - -Guy nodded grimly. "You will break your neck some day," he observed, -"and then I suppose you will be satisfied." - -"I doubt it," said Tony; "not if our present theology is anything -approaching accurate." He picked up a dinner-jacket from the bed and -began slowly to put it on. "Besides," he added thoughtfully, "I -shouldn't like to die just yet. I think I see a chance of doing a -little good in the world." - -Guy looked at him suspiciously. "Who was that girl you had to -breakfast with you?" he asked. - -"Really, Guy!" said Tony, "you get more cynical every day." He -crossed to the washstand, and taking a carnation out of its glass -proceeded to arrange it in his button-hole. - -"But who is she?" persisted Guy. - -"She is my adopted cousin. Her name is Isabel--Isabel Francis. I -adopted her after breakfast this morning." - -There was a short pause. Then in a faintly ironical voice Guy -observed: "Since she appears to be a relation of mine also, perhaps -you wouldn't mind telling me where and when you met her." - -"Not in the least," said Tony imperturbably. "We met each other in -Long Acre last night at about a quarter to eleven." - -"Where?" exclaimed Guy. - -"Long Acre," repeated Tony. "It's a popular thoroughfare running out -of Leicester Square." He watched his cousin's face for a moment with -some enjoyment, and then added: "If you would try to look less like -the recording angel I might tell you all about it." - -"Go on," said Guy. - -Tony paused to light a cigarette, and then seated himself on the bed. -"It was like this," he began. "Bugg and I were coming down Long Acre -after the fight, when we saw Isabel being--being--what's the -word--'accosted' by a couple of gentlemen who looked like dressed-up -organ-grinders. As an Englishman and a baronet I thought it was my -duty to interfere. - -"You would," said Guy with conviction. - -"Leaving Bugg to knock down the two gentlemen," proceeded Tony -tranquilly, "I took Isabel to supper at Verrier's. We had a very -good supper. There was----" - -"Never mind about the supper," interrupted Guy. "How did she come to -be having breakfast with you this morning?" - -"What a dreadfully direct mind you have," complained Tony. "There is -no pleasure in telling you a story." He paused. "The fact was," he -added, "that Isabel had nowhere to sleep, so I brought her back to -Mrs. Spalding's." - -"You what?" demanded Guy. - -"I brought her back to Mrs. Spalding's. I couldn't very well bring -her here: I knew it would shock you. That's the worst of having a -thoughtful nature like mine." - -"I say, is all this true?" asked Guy. - -"Of course it is," said Tony. "Perfectly true. I couldn't invent -anything half so interesting." - -"You mean to say that you picked up a girl in Long Acre, and that -you've actually brought her back and--and established her at the -Spaldings'!" - -"My dear Guy!" said Tony. "Please don't talk like that. It reminds -me of one of Hall Caine's heroes." He stopped to flick the ash off -his cigarette. "You've seen Isabel. You surely don't think she is -an abandoned adventuress, do you?" - -"No," said Guy. "I never suggested it: at least I never meant to. -She seemed quite a nice girl in her way, but--but--well, who is she, -and what on earth is she doing wandering about London without any -friends?" - -"I don't know," said Tony. "I think she has run away from somewhere -and doesn't want to go back. The only thing I am certain about is -that she had a very extravagant great-grandmother." - -Guy got up from the bed. "Well," he said, "I have seen you do some -fairly insane things in my time, but this is about the limit. Why -the girl may be anything or anybody." - -"I know," interrupted Tony. "It's the uncertainty that makes it so -exciting." - -"But think of the position you're putting yourself in! Suppose she -has run away from school and her parents were to trace her here, why -there would be a scandal that would ruin the family!" - -"Well, what do you think I ought to do?" asked Tony. "Turn her out -again into the cold hard world?" - -Guy shrugged his shoulders. "You must do what you like," he said. -"I'm not going to accept any responsibility. I have given you my -opinion, and if you don't choose----" - -He was interrupted by a knock at the door, followed almost -immediately by the appearance of Spalding, who was carrying a note -upon a small silver tray. He crossed the room and proffered the -letter to Tony. - -"Mr. Conway has just arrived, Sir Antony," he remarked. "He is in -the drawing-room." - -"What's this?" asked Tony, picking up the note. - -"I believe it is a communication from Bugg, Sir Antony. Mrs. -Spalding brought it round." - -Tony turned to his cousin. "You might go down and kiss Henry, will -you, Guy?" he said. "I will be with you in a second." - -Guy left the room, and tearing open the envelope, Tony took out the -letter inside. It was written in a sprawling, illiterate hand, and -beautifully innocent of either stops or capitals. - - -sir i and the young lady come home safe but i spotted one of them -forin blokes hanging round the corner of the street so i says to -meself I'd better stop here till i heres from you becos i think he -may be after the young lady and Mrs S. says its all rite and i can -sleep in the kitchin and hoping i done rite your obedient servent -tiger bugg the young lady didnt spot the bloke. - - -Tony read this interesting missive through with extreme care and then -looked up at the expressionless face of Spalding. - -"For various reasons," he said, "it would be very convenient if Bugg -could sleep at your house for the next day or so. I suppose you -would have no objection if your wife approved?" - -"None at all, Sir Antony," replied Spalding. "I make it a point -never to object to anything of which Mrs. Spalding approves." - -Tony regarded him thoughtfully. "I should imagine you were a most -considerate husband, Spalding," he said. - -"Yes, sir," said Spalding. "My wife sees to that, sir." - -Folding up the note and putting it in his pocket, Tony made his way -downstairs to the drawing-room, where he found Guy in conversation -with a heavily-built, pink-faced, stolid-looking man of about forty -years of age. This was Henry Conway, a first cousin of both Tony and -Guy, and an intensely serious and painstaking member of the House of -Commons. He had married Lady Laura Crampton, the plain but -public-spirited daughter of the Earl of Kent--an alliance which had -been of considerable assistance to them both in their disinterested -efforts in behalf of the general welfare. - -"Hullo, Henry," said Tony, coming forward with a well-assumed air of -pleasure. "I am so sorry to be late. How's Laura?" - -Henry shook hands. - -"Laura is fairly well, thank you, Tony," he replied. "I think she's -a little overtaxed her strength in working up this new league for -closing the public-houses to women, but no doubt she will soon be -herself again. Her recuperative powers are wonderful, quite -wonderful." - -"I know," said Tony. "I suppose the feeling that one is promoting -the happiness of one's fellow-creatures acts as a sort of stimulus." - -Henry nodded, and taking out his handkerchief blew his nose -resonantly. "If it were not for that," he observed, "the strain of -public life would at times be almost intolerable." - -There was a short pause, broken by the opportune appearance of -Spalding with the announcement that dinner was ready. - -Throughout the meal the conversation remained fairly general. Henry -was rich in that type of intelligence which enables its possessor to -discourse copiously and decisively upon every possible topic without -puzzling the listener by introducing subtle or original views. -Politics in some shape or other were of course his principal theme, -and in view of Guy's warning, Tony expected every moment that the -menacing question of Balham North would obtrude itself above the -horizon. Apparently, however, in Henry's opinion, the presence of -Spalding acted as a barrier, and it was not until dinner was finished -and they were sitting alone over their coffee and cigars that he -began to approach the subject which was really the cause of his visit. - -"I understand," he said turning to Tony, "that Guy has more or less -acquainted you with the steps that I have been taking in your -interest." - -Tony nodded. "It's exceedingly kind of you, Henry," he said. "The -only thing is I haven't quite made up my mind yet whether I have the -necessary qualifications for a successful statesman." - -Henry's eyebrows contracted. "I was under the impression," he said, -"that we had already settled that part of the affair." - -"You and Laura may have settled it," replied Tony. "In important -matters of this sort I always prefer a little time for reflection." - -Henry pushed back his chair from the table. "And may I inquire," he -asked with an obvious attempt at irony, "what you would consider 'a -little time'? It seems to me that six years ought to be a sufficient -period in which to decide what one intends to do with one's self." -He paused. "Unless, of course, you prefer to go on doing nothing." - -"Nothing!" echoed Tony reprovingly. "My dear Henry! What a way in -which to describe my multifarious activities." - -With the stern self-control engendered by a public career Henry -managed to keep his temper. "I am speaking of useful and serious -work in the world," he replied. "You did your duty in the war -certainly, but since then you seem to have devoted your life entirely -to frivolous amusements." - -"There is precious little frivolity about motor-racing," objected -Tony. "You should have been with me to-day when the back-axle went." - -"Thank you," said Henry stiffly. "I have something better to do with -my time." He looked across at Guy. "I think you agree with me that -the manner in which Tony is wasting his life is nothing short of -deplorable." - -"Certainly I do," said Guy. "I was telling him so at dinner last -night." - -Henry nodded. "The whole family are of the same opinion." He turned -back to Tony. "It isn't as if you were a private individual and able -to do what you please. A great position has its obligations as well -as its privileges. The Conways have always played an important part -in public life, and as head of the family it is your duty to see that -this tradition is maintained." - -Tony looked at him with a certain amount of admiration. "If I only -had your gifts, Henry," he said, "I shouldn't hesitate a moment, but -I don't believe I could ever learn to talk as you do." - -Henry acknowledged the compliment with a pleased if slightly -patronizing smile. "Oh, I don't know," he observed more graciously. -"I believe you have considerable ability if you chose to exercise it. -Of course one can't expect to become a finished speaker all in a -moment, but it's wonderful what a little practice and experience will -do. Besides you would have the benefit of my advice and assistance -from the start." - -"I am sure I should," said Tony, "and Laura's, too, I expect." - -Henry nodded. "No one is more interested in your future than Laura -is. It was her original idea that I should bring your name forward -for Balham North. You can count on having her by your side through -the whole campaign." - -"It's my belief," interrupted Guy a little hastily, "that Tony would -thoroughly enjoy an election. The element of fighting about it ought -to suit him exactly." - -"I wish it was some other place than Balham North though," observed -Tony pensively. "I can't see myself saying 'Men of Balham!' with -just the proper ring that the phrase ought to have." - -Henry looked at him a shade mistrustfully. "I only hope," he -replied, "that you intend to approach the matter in a serious spirit. -I have gone out of my way to put your name forward, and it might do -me a great deal of harm politically, if you choose to make a -deliberate fiasco of it." - -With a reassuring smile, Tony pushed the port towards him. - -"Don't you worry, Henry," he said. "When I take a thing up I always -carry it through decently and properly, don't I, Guy?" - -"You carry it through, certainly," admitted the latter. - -"Then I understand," said Henry refilling his glass, "that I can -inform Headquarters you are prepared to contest the seat at the next -election." - -There was a short pause. - -"I suppose so," said Tony. "If it will really give the family so -much pleasure I haven't the heart to refuse. I am afraid it will -mean a lot of extra work for Guy, though." - -"You needn't mind about me," put in Guy unsympathetically. - -"And how does one start?" asked Tony. "I have read somewhere about -people nursing a constituency. Do we have to go down and nurse -Balham?" - -Henry shook his head. "There is no hurry," he said. "Sir George -Wilmer has given us a private hint that he means to retire at the -next election, but he is not going to make his intention public until -Christmas. Properly used, this time will be invaluable to you." - -Tony nodded thoughtfully. "Yes," he said. "I shall enjoy a last run -round before becoming an M.P. One has got to be so devilish careful -what one does then." - -"I was referring rather," said Henry with some coldness, "to the -opportunity it will afford you of preparing yourself for your new -position. If you choose to work hard you might by that time have put -yourself in the way of becoming a useful and desirable acquisition to -the House." - -"Why, of course," said Tony. "I never thought of looking at it like -that." He paused. "What would you advise me to work at?" - -"If I were you," said Henry, "I should take up some special -subject--it doesn't much matter what it is--foreign affairs, -temperance, agriculture--anything which is frequently before the -House. Make yourself more or less of an authority on that, and then -you will have a recognized position from the very start." He stopped -to consult his watch. "I am afraid I shall have to be going," he -added. "I have promised to look in and say a few words to the West -Hampstead Anti-Vivisection League, who are holding their annual -meeting to-night, and it's getting on for ten o'clock now." He got -up and held out a large, white, soft hand, which Tony accepted with a -certain physical reluctance that hands of that sort always inspired -in him. - -"I am pleased--very pleased," continued Henry, "that you are at last -beginning to realize the responsibilities of your position. When the -time comes you may rest assured that Laura and I will give you any -assistance in our power. In the meantime, if you want any advice -about what to read or study, you can't do better than to talk it over -with Guy." - -Tony nodded again. "I expect we shall have lots of interesting chats -together," he said. - -He rang the bell for Henry's car, and accompanying his cousin into -the hall, helped him on with his coat. They stood talking in the -doorway until a well-appointed Daimler brougham rolled up noiselessly -to the porch, and then with another handshake and a final good-night -Tony returned to the dining-room. - -He sat down heavily in his lately vacated chair. "If you have any -real love for me, Guy," he said, "you will pass me the brandy." - -Guy handed across a delicately shaped old Venetian decanter, out of -which Tony helped himself in generous fashion. - -"If I had an inn," he observed, "I should pay Henry to sit in the bar -parlour and talk about politics. I am sure he would drive the -customers to drink." - -In spite of himself Guy smiled. "I think you are very unfair and -very ungrateful," he replied serenely. "Henry may be a little -pompous at times, but after all he means well, and he has your best -interests at heart." - -Tony lit himself another cigar. "All my relations have," he said, -"and the worst of it is, it's such a horribly infectious complaint. -If I am not uncommonly careful I shall be catching it myself." - -"You have managed to resist it pretty successfully so far," observed -Guy drily. - -"I know," said Tony, "but that doesn't make me feel really safe. -There is a sort of natural tendency to take one's self seriously in -the Conway blood, and you can never be certain it won't suddenly come -bursting out. I shouldn't be in the least surprised if I finished up -by getting the Victorian Order, and the freedom of Manchester." - -"I suppose you do really mean to stand?" said Guy after a short pause. - -"I suppose so," replied Tony. "I think I would agree to do anything -rather than argue with Henry." - -He pushed back his chair and finishing off the brandy in his glass, -rose to his feet. - -"Going out?" asked Guy. - -Tony nodded. "Just for a few minutes. It's a very important step in -one's life to become a member of Parliament--especially for Balham -North. I am going to have a little quiet meditation beneath the -stars." - -Guy looked at him disbelievingly. "Umph!" he observed, and taking -out his favourite after-dinner smoke--a short, well-seasoned briar -pipe, began methodically to fill it from his pouch. - -Leaving him to this innocent luxury, Tony crossed the hall, and -without troubling to pick up a hat sauntered leisurely out of the -house and down the drive. It was a perfect night. Under a sky of -inky blue, powdered with stars, the Heath lay dark and silent, as if -dreaming regretfully of those far gone spacious times when the -mounted highwaymen lurked amongst its bushes. - -The only people who lurked there at present were much too occupied -with each other to pay any attention to Tony. With his cigar glowing -pleasantly in the darkness he strolled slowly across the grass in the -direction of the water-works, which stood up in a clear-cut, black -mass against the clearness of the night sky. - -A few yards further brought him to the end of the quiet road in which -the Spaldings' house was situated. It was overshadowed by trees, but -in the light of a street lamp some little way down, he caught sight -of a solitary, bare-headed figure leaning over one of the front -gates. Even at that distance he could recognize the familiar -features of "Tiger" Bugg. - -As Tony came up, the future world's champion lifted the latch, and -stepped out noiselessly on to the pavement to meet him. - -"I guessed it was you, sir," he observed in a low voice. "You didn't -'appen to spot no one 'angin' abaht under them trees as you come -along?" - -Tony shook his head, and seated himself on the low wall with his back -to the railings. "No, Bugg," he said. "The road seemed to me -distinctly empty." - -Under the lamp-light, "Tiger's" face assumed an expression of -disappointment. "Ah!" he remarked, "I reckon they've spotted I'm -layin' for 'em arter all." He paused. "You got my letter, sir?" - -"Yes, thank you, Bugg," said Tony. "I want you to tell me all about -it." - -"I don't know as there's very much to tell, sir," responded Bugg -modestly. "It was like this 'ere, sir. The young laidy done 'er -shopping nice and comf'table, and there 'adn't bin no sign of any one -'anging arahnd or wantin' to maike trouble. We wos comin' back in -the car and I was just thinkin' to meself as things was all right, -w'en Jennings swung 'er a bit lively rahnd that bottom corner -there,"--he jerked his thumb away down the road--"and all of a sudden -I seed a 'ead dodgin' back be'ind one o' them big trees. 'E was -quick, but 'e weren't quite quick enough for me. I knew 'is dirty -faice the moment I set me eyes on it. It was the other Daigo--the -one that copped a shove in the jaw last night and done a buck w'en -the rozzers come." - -"You don't think Miss Francis saw him?" interrupted Tony. - -Bugg shook his head. "No one seen 'im except me, sir; and I didn't -say nothin', not bein' wishful to frighten the young laidy. Besides, -it come into me 'ead wot you'd said abaht leadin' 'em on like, so I -jest sits w'ere I was till we reaches the 'ouse, an' then I gets out -an' goes inside saime as if I 'adn't seen nothing. I 'ope I done -right, sir?" - -"Sherlock Holmes couldn't have done righter," observed Tony. "I -wonder how the devil they've found out the house though." - -Bugg scratched his ear. "Well, sir, I bin thinkin 'it over like, -sir, and I reckon they must ha' followed me this mornin', w'en I come -up from the Court." - -Tony looked at him admiringly. "Bugg," he said, "you are growing -positively brilliant. I have no doubt that's the correct -explanation. They were probably hanging about outside Goodman's Rest -and saw Miss Francis come back here in the car." He paused and took -a thoughtful draw at his cigar. "I suppose they're waiting for a -chance to get her alone again." - -Bugg nodded. "That's abaht it, sir; and that's w'y I thought I'd -best stop on 'ere. I see Mrs. Spalding knew something o' wot was up, -so I gives 'er the orfice straight abaht 'avin' spotted the bloke -be'ind the tree, and she suggests as I should write to you an' she'll -taike the letter rahnd." He cleared his throat, and expectorated in -the gutter. "And that's 'ow things are, sir, in a manner o' -speaking." - -Tony knocked the ash off his cigar and got up from his seat. - -"I am vastly obliged to you, Bugg," he said. "You are an ideal -secretary for a knight errant." He looked up at the house, the -windows of which were in darkness. "Have they gone to bed?" he asked. - -"I think the young laidy's turned in, sir," replied Bugg. "I reckon -she was tired buyin' all them 'ats and things. Mrs. Spalding's -abaht, if ye'd like to see 'er, sir." - -He opened the gate for Tony, and they walked up the narrow cobbled -path which led to the house. The front door was ajar, and just as -they entered Mrs. Spalding appeared in the passage, with a can of hot -water in her hand. She put it down on seeing Tony, and with her -usual air of slightly flustered deference, opened the door of -Isabel's sitting-room, and invited him to "step inside." - -"I am not going to keep you up, Mrs. Spalding," he said cheerfully. -"I only came round in answer to Bugg's letter. It struck me that you -might possibly be feeling a little nervous, and I shouldn't like to -think that you were being worried in any way about my affairs." - -His consideration evidently touched Mrs. Spalding deeply. - -"Oh, please to put your mind at ease about that, Sir Antony," she -observed. "As long as Bugg's on the premises it doesn't frighten me -if people choose to hang about outside the house." - -"Of course," said Tony, pursuing his advantage, "if you would rather, -I could probably arrange to get rooms for Miss Francis somewhere -else. The only thing is her guardian would most certainly find out, -and Heaven knows what might happen to her then!" - -The good woman made a gesture of protest. "You mustn't think of it, -Sir Antony," she declared. "I wouldn't never forgive myself if that -sweet young lady was got back by them foreigners. I've taken a rare -liking to her, Sir Antony, and it's an honour and a pleasure to be of -any assistance. I was saying as much to Spalding to-night, an' he -agreed with me every word." - -Tony launched an inward blessing on Spalding's philosophic theories -about matrimonial happiness. - -"Well, if you both feel like that," he said, "I shall go on taking -advantage of your kindness. It won't be for long, because Miss -Francis' aunt is bound to be coming back soon. In the -meanwhile,"--he turned to include Bugg, who, with his usual tact, had -remained modestly on the doorstep, "we will soon put a stop to this -spying business. I am not going to have dirty looking people popping -in and out behind trees anywhere near my house. The rates are much -too high to put up with that sort of thing." He stopped to take -another puff at his cigar, which he had nearly allowed to go out. "I -suppose Miss Francis has gone to bed?" he asked. - -Mrs. Spalding nodded. "It's what you might call tiring -work--shopping is, Sir Antony, especially when a young lady's used to -having most things done for her, as I can see Miss Francis is." She -paused. "I was just taking her up some hot water when you came in," -she added. - -"Really," said Tony; "well, we mustn't keep it waiting about or it -will be losing its character." He turned towards the door. "By the -way," he added, "you might tell Miss Francis that if she would care -for a motor drive to-morrow I should be delighted to take her. I -daresay she will be coming round in the morning and we can fix up the -time then." - -Mrs. Spalding promised to deliver the message, and wishing her -good-night, Tony sauntered off down the drive, with his hand on -Bugg's shoulder. They came to a halt at the gate. - -"It's an undignified position for the future champion of England to -be acting as a watch-dog, Bugg," he said, "but having put our hands -to the plough--" He broke off and remained for a moment or two -thoughtfully contemplating the star-spangled stretch of firmament -which was visible between the trees. - -With an expression of patient interest, Bugg waited for him to -continue. - -"Let us summarize the situation, Bugg," he said gravely. "Then we -shall know exactly where we are." He paused. "For some reason, -which I don't understand any more than you do at present, those two -gentlemen we had the pleasure of introducing ourselves to in Long -Acre appear to be very anxious to meet Miss Francis alone. Well, she -doesn't want to be met, and considering their faces I sympathize with -her taste. That's all we know, and until we can find out something -more there doesn't seem very much to be done. We must just keep Miss -Francis properly watched and guarded, and see if we can pick up any -information about our pals outside." He paused again. "I think it's -just on the cards we might have a little quiet fun with them before -long, Bugg," he added pensively. - -Bugg gave an appreciative grin and nodded his head. "You can leave -the watchin' and guardin' part to me, sir. They won't get no talk -with the young laidy--not while she's in this 'ouse." - -"I believe you, Bugg," said Tony, "and to-morrow morning, when she -comes to Goodman's Rest, you might walk across the Heath with her." -He opened the gate and stepped out on to the pavement. "Good-night," -he added. "I shall go back to bed now. To be really successful as a -knight errant one requires plenty of sleep." - -"Yes, sir," said Bugg. "Good-night, sir." - -It was exactly a quarter to eleven by the big oak clock in the hall -when Tony re-entered his house. He shut the front door behind him, -and walking across looked into the dining-room and study to see if -Guy were still up. Both rooms were empty, and he was just on the -point of going upstairs when the silence of the house was suddenly -broken by the sharp, aggressive ringing of a bell. - -It came from the telephone which hung beside the mantelpiece on the -further side of the hall. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -AFFAIRS IN LIVADIA - -Tony retraced his steps and took down the receiver. - -"Hullo!" he said. - -"Hullo!" came back a silvery answer. "Is that you, Tony?" - -"It is. Who's speaking?" - -"It's me." - -"Really!" said Tony. "Which me? I know several with beautiful -voices." - -A little ripple of laughter floated down the wire. "Don't be funny, -Tony. It's Molly--Molly Monk. I want to see you." - -"The longing is a mutual one," observed Tony. "I was just going to -bed, but it's a morbid custom. Suppose I come along in the car -instead and take you out to supper?" - -"I'd love it," answered Molly regretfully, "but I'm afraid it can't -be done. I have promised to go on and sing at one of Billy -Higginson's evenings. He is the only composer in London who can -write a tune." She paused. "What about to-morrow?" - -"To-morrow," said Tony, "is also a day." - -"Well, I am going out to lunch, but I do want to see you if you could -manage it. Couldn't you run over in the car and look me up some time -in the morning? I'll give you a small bottle of champagne if you -will." - -"I don't want any bribing," said Tony with dignity. "Is it good -champagne?" - -"Very good," said Molly. "It's what I keep for dramatic critics." - -"I think I might be able to come then. What is it you want to see me -about?" - -"Oh, I'll tell you to-morrow," came back the answer. "I really -mustn't stop now because Daisy Grey's waiting for me in her car. -Thanks so much. It's awfully dear of you, Tony. Good-night." - -"Good-night," said Tony, and replacing the receiver upon its hook, he -resumed his interrupted progress to bed. - -It was just after half-past ten the next morning, when Guy, while -busily engaged in drawing up a lease in his office, was interrupted -by a knock at the door. - -"Come in," he called out, and in answer to his summons, Tony, wearing -a grey plush hat and motoring gloves, sauntered into the room. He -looked round with an air of leisurely interest. - -"Good-morning, Guy," he said. "I like interrupting you at this time. -I always feel I am throwing you out for the entire day." - -Guy laid down his pen. - -"It's a harmless delusion," he observed, "and if it gets you out of -bed----" - -"Oh, that didn't get me out of bed. It was an appointment I have to -keep." He walked across to the fireplace and helped himself to a -cigarette from a box on the mantlepiece. "Are you feeling in a -sympathetic mood this morning, Guy?" - -The latter shook his head. "Not particularly. Why?" - -Tony struck a match. "Well, it's like this. I have invited our -cousin Isabel to come round and see me, and now I find myself -unexpectedly compelled to go out. What's more I don't know how long -it will be before I get back." He paused and looked at Guy with a -mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Do you think I can trust you to be -kind and gentle with her?" - -Guy adjusted his pince-nez and looked across at Tony with some -sternness. - -"I have already told you, Tony," he said, "that I disapprove very -strongly of this impossible escapade of yours. You don't know what -trouble it may lead you into. For a man who wants to get into -Parliament any kind of scandal is absolutely fatal." - -"But I don't want to go into Parliament," objected Tony. "I am doing -it to oblige Henry, and for the good of the nation. As for -this--what was the beautiful word you used, Guy--'escapade'--you -surely wouldn't have me back out from motives of funk?" - -Guy shrugged his shoulders. "You can please yourself about it," he -said, "but it's no good asking me to help you. As I've told you -before, I decline to mix myself up with it in any way." - -"But you can't," persisted Tony; "at least not without being horribly -rude. I have introduced you to Isabel and she thinks you're -charming. She will be sure to ask for you when she hears I am out." -He paused. "You wouldn't be a brute to her would you, Guy? You -wouldn't throw her out of the house or anything like that?" - -Guy's lips tightened. "I should certainly let her see that I -disapproved very strongly of the whole episode," he said. "Still you -needn't worry about that, because I have not the least intention of -meeting her." - -He picked up his pen and began to resume his work. - -"Yours is a very hard nature, Guy," said Tony sadly. "I think it's -the result of never having known a woman's love." - -To this Guy did not condescend to answer, and after looking at him -for a moment with a grieved expression, Tony sauntered downstairs to -the front door. - -Outside stood the Hispano-Suiza--a long, slim, venomous-looking white -car--with Jennings in attendance. Tony stepped in and took -possession of the wheel. - -"I shall probably be back in about an hour, Jennings," he said, "and -very likely I shall be going out again afterwards. I don't know -which car I shall want, so you had better have them all ready." - -Jennings touched his cap with the expression of a resigned lemon ice, -and pressing the electric starter Tony glided off down the drive. - -He reached Basil Mansions just on the stroke of eleven. Leaving the -car in the courtyard he walked across to Molly's flat, where the door -was answered by the beautiful French maid, who looked purer than ever -in the healthy morning sunshine. - -As he entered the flat, Molly appeared in the hall. She was wearing -a loose garment of green silk, caught together at the waist by a gold -girdle. As a breakfast robe it erred perhaps on the side of the -fantastic, but it had the merit of showing off her red hair to the -best possible advantage. - -"You nice old thing, Tony," she said. "I know you hate getting up -early, too." - -"I don't mind if there is anything to get up for," said Tony. "It's -the barrenness of the morning that puts me off as a rule." - -Molly slipped her bare arm through his, and led him into the -sitting-room. - -"You shall open the champagne," she said. "That will give you an -interest in life." - -She brought him up to a little satin-wood table, on which stood a -silver tray, with some glasses and a couple of small bottles of -Heidsieek. Tony looked at the labels. - -[Illustration: Tony looked at the labels. "And do you mean to say," -he remarked a little reproachfully, "that you really waste this on -dramatic critics?" "I give them the choice," said Molly gravely. -"They can either have that, or hold my hand. So far, they have -always chosen the champagne."] - -"And do you mean to say," he remarked a little reproachfully, "that -you really waste this on dramatic critics?" - -"I give them the choice," said Molly gravely. "They can either have -that, or hold my hand. So far they have always chosen the -champagne." She crossed to the sofa and began arranging the -cushions. "Yank out the cork, Tony," she added, "and then come and -sit beside me. I want you to give me some of your very best advice." - -Tony obeyed her instructions, and filling up the two glasses, carried -the tray across to where Molly was reclining. He set it down on the -floor within convenient reach, and then seated himself beside her on -the sofa. - -"What's the trouble?" he inquired sympathetically. - -Molly lighted herself a cigarette, and thoughtfully puffed out a -little cloud of blue smoke. - -"It's Peter," she said. "Something has happened to him; something -serious." - -"I know it has," said Tony. "He had to pay me five hundred of the -best yesterday morning." - -Molly shook her head. "It's not that," she said. "I know he hates -being beaten at anything; but it wouldn't upset him in the way I -mean." She wriggled herself into a slightly more comfortable -position. "I've got a notion it's something much bigger," she added. - -"Really!" said Tony with interest. "What are the symptoms?" - -"Well, he was coming to lunch here yesterday at a quarter to two, and -he rang up about one to say he might be a little late. I thought his -voice sounded a bit funny over the 'phone--you see I know Peter -pretty well by now--and when he rolled up I saw there was something -really serious the matter. The poor old dear was so worried and -excited he could hardly eat his lunch." - -"Sounds bad," admitted Tony. "Nothing but a desperate crisis can put -Royalty off their food." - -Molly nodded. "I know. I thought for a moment he might have fallen -in love with somebody else, but it wasn't that either. Something's -happened, and unless I'm three parts of an idiot it's got to do with -Livadia." - -"How exciting!" observed Tony. "It makes me feel like a secret -service man in a novel." He paused. "Why do you think it's Livadia -though? It might----" - -"If it wasn't Livadia," interrupted Molly, "he'd have told me all -about it." - -"Why didn't you ask him?" - -Molly shook her head. "It's no good. He has promised Da Freitas -never to talk about Livadian affairs to anybody, and he's just -sufficiently stupid to keep his word even where I'm concerned. Of -course I could get it out of him sooner or later, but you can't rush -Peter, and it's a question of time. There's something going on, and -I want to find out what it is as quick as possible." She sat up and -looked at Tony. "That's where you come in," she added. - -Tony looked at her in mild surprise. "I would love to help you if I -could, Molly," he said, "but I'm afraid that any lingering charm I -may have had for your Peter vanished with that five hundred quid he -had to fork out yesterday." - -"You can help me all right if you will," said Molly. She paused. -"Do you remember telling me once about that friend of yours--what's -his name?--the boy who is running a motor business in Portriga?" - -The dawn of an understanding began to flicker across Tony's face. - -"You mean Jimmy--Jimmy Dale." He paused. "If Jimmy can be of any -use you have only got to say so. I am sure he will do anything I ask -him short of murdering the President." - -"It's nothing as difficult as that," said Molly. "I only want him to -write me a letter." She bent forward and re-lit her cigarette from -Tony's. "You see I want to know exactly what's happening out in -Livadia. I am sure there's trouble on, or Peter wouldn't be so -upset, and a man actually living in Portriga ought to be able to tell -one something." - -"Jimmy ought to," said Tony. "He is by way of being rather a pal of -the President. He sold him a second-hand Rolls-Royce last year for a -sort of state coach, and the old boy was so pleased with his bargain -he quite took Jimmy up. They seemed to be as thick as thieves last -time I had a letter--about three months ago." He paused to finish -his champagne. "By the way," he added, "I don't believe I have ever -answered it." - -"You never do answer letters," said Molly. - -"That's why I always telephone." She got up, and walking across to a -small satin-wood bureau, took out a sheet of paper and an envelope. -"Be a darling and answer it now," she went on. "Then you can ask -what I want at the same time." - -Tony rose in a leisurely manner from the sofa, and coming up to where -she was standing, seated himself in the chair which she had placed in -readiness. Then he picked up the pen and examined it with some -disapproval. - -"I shall ink my fingers," he said. "I always do unless I have a -Waterman." - -"Never mind," said Molly. "It's in a good cause, and I'll wash them -for you afterwards." - -Tony gazed thoughtfully at the paper, and then placing his cigarette -on the inkstand in front of him bent over the desk and set about his -task. Molly returned to the sofa, and for a few minutes except for -the scratching of the nib, and an occasional sigh from the writer, a -profound silence brooded over the boudoir. - -At last, with an air of some relief, Tony threw down the pen, and -turned round in his chair. - -"How will this do?" he asked. - - -MY DEAR JAMES: - -I have been meaning to answer your last letter for several months, -but somehow or other I can never settle down to serious work in the -early spring. I was very pleased to hear that you are still alive, -and mixing in such good society. I have never met any presidents -myself, but I always picture them as stout, elderly men with bowler -hats and red sashes round their waists. If yours isn't like this, -don't tell me. I hate to have my illusions shattered. - -I wish anyway that you would come back to London. You were the only -friend I ever had that I could be certain of beating at billiards, -and you have no right to bury a talent like that in the wilds of -Livadia. - -If you will come soon you can do me a good turn. I am thinking of -opening a garage in Piccadilly on entirely new lines, and I want -someone to manage it for me. The idea would be that customers could -put up their cars there, and when they came to fetch them they would -find their tools and gasoline absolutely untouched. I am sure it -would be a terrific success just on account of its novelty. We would -call it "The Sign of the Eighth Commandment," and we should be able -to charge fairly high prices, because people would be so dazed at -finding they hadn't been robbed that they would never notice what we -were asking. I am quite serious about this, Jimmy, so come along -back at once before the Livadians further corrupt your natural -dishonesty. - -Talking of Livadia, there is something I want you to do for me before -you leave. I have a young and beautiful friend who takes a morbid -interest in your local politics, and she is extremely anxious to know -exactly what is happening out there at the present time. I told her -that if there was any really promising villainy in the offing you -would be sure to know all about it, so don't destroy the good -impression of you I have taken the trouble to give her. Sit down and -write me a nice, bright, chatty letter telling me who is going to be -murdered next and when it's coming off, and then pack up your things, -shake the dust of Portriga off your boots (if you still wear boots) -and come home to - - Your friend and partner, - TONY. - - -"That's very nice," said Molly critically. "I had no idea you could -write such a good letter." - -"Nor had I," said Tony. "I am always surprising myself with my own -talents." - -There was a short pause. - -"What's Jimmy like?" asked Molly. - -Tony addressed the envelope and proceeded to fasten it up. "He is -quite charming," he said. "He is chubby and round, and he talks in a -little gentle whisper like a small child. He can drink fourteen -whiskies without turning a hair, and I don't believe he has ever lost -his temper in his life." - -"He sounds a dear," said Molly. "I wonder you let him go." - -"I couldn't help it," said Tony sadly. "He has some extraordinary -objection to borrowing from his friends, and he owed so much to -everyone else that he had to go away." - -"I wonder if he will answer the letter," said Molly. - -Tony got up with the envelope in his hand. "You can be sure of that. -Jimmy always answers letters. We shall hear from him in less than a -week and I'll come round and see you at once." He looked at his -watch. "I am afraid I must be off now, Molly. I have a very -important engagement with a bishop." - -"Rot," returned Molly. "Bishops never get up till the middle of the -day." - -"This one does," said Tony. "He suffers from insomnia." - -Molly laughed, and putting her hands on his shoulders, stood up on -tip-toe and kissed him. - -"Well, don't tell him about that," she said, "or he might be jealous." - -It was exactly on the stroke of twelve as Tony's car swung in again -through the gate of Goodman's Rest, and came to a standstill outside -the front door. - -Leaving it where it was, he walked into the hall and rang the bell, -which was answered almost immediately by Spalding. - -"Has Miss Francis arrived yet?" he asked. - -Spalding inclined his head. "Yes, Sir Antony. She is in the -garden." He paused. "Mr. Oliver is with her," he added. - -Tony looked up in some surprise. "Mr. Oliver!" he repeated. "What's -he doing?" - -"I heard him say he would show her the ranunculi, sir," explained -Spalding impassively. - -Tony turned towards the study, the window of which opened out on to -the lawn. The thought of Isabel at the solitary mercy of Guy filled -him with sudden concern. The latter had evidently changed his mind -about seeing her, and had doubtless taken her into the garden to -express the disapproval he had so sternly enunciated that morning. - -Reaching the French window, however, Tony came to a sudden halt. The -sight that met his eyes was, under the circumstances, a distinctly -arresting one. Half-way down the lawn was a small almond tree, its -slender branches just then a delicate tracery of pink and white -loveliness. Guy and Isabel were standing in front of this in an -attitude which suggested anything but the conclusion of a strained -and painful interview. Isabel was looking up at the blossoms with -her lips parted in a smile of sheer delight. A few paces off, Guy -was watching her with an expression of earnest admiration almost as -striking as that which she was wasting upon the almond tree. - -For perhaps a couple of seconds, Tony stood motionless taking in the -unexpected tableau. Then with a faint chuckle he pulled out his case -and thoughtfully lighted himself a cigarette. - -As he did so, Guy stepped forward to the tree, and breaking off a -little cluster of blossom rather clumsily offered it to Isabel. She -took the gift with a graceful little gesture, like that of a princess -accepting the natural homage of a subject, and smiling her thanks as -Guy proceeded to fasten it in her dress. - -It seemed to Tony that this was a very favourable moment for making -his appearance. He opened the glass door, and walking down the -steps, sauntered quietly towards them across the lawn. - -They both heard him at the same instant, and turned quickly round. -Isabel gave a little exclamation of pleased surprise, while Guy's -face assumed a sudden expression of embarrassment that filled Tony -with delight. He looked at them gravely for a moment, and then -lifting up Isabel's hand lightly kissed the pink tip of one of her -fingers. - -"Good-morning, Cousin Isabel," he said. "I am sorry to be late. I -hope Guy hasn't been unkind to you." - -"Unkind!" repeated Isabel, opening her eyes. "Why he has been -charming. He has been showing me the garden." She looked across at -Guy with that frank, curiously attractive smile of hers. "I don't -think we have quarrelled once, have we, Mr. Guy?" - -"Certainly not," said Guy with what seemed unnecessary warmth. - -"I am so glad," observed Tony contentedly. "It always distresses me -when relations can't get on together." He let go Isabel's hand and -looked at his watch. "How do you feel about a run in the car?" he -inquired. "It's just ten minutes past twelve now, and we could get -to Cookham comfortably for lunch by one o'clock." - -"I should love it," said Isabel gaily. "I don't know in the least -where Cookham is, but it sounds a splendid place to lunch at." - -Tony looked at her with approval. "I am glad you like making bad -puns, Isabel," he said. "It's a sure sign of a healthy and -intelligent mind." - -He led the way round to the front of the house, where they found the -Hispano-Suiza still decorating the drive, with Jennings bending over -the open bonnet. The chauffeur looked up and grudgingly touched his -cap as they approached. - -"Came down to see if you would be wanting either of the other cars," -he observed. - -"What do you think, Isabel?" inquired Tony. "Will this do, or would -you rather have something more comfortable?" - -She glanced with admiration over the tapering lines of the slim -racing body. "Oh, let's have this one," she said. "I love to go -fast." - -Guy gave a slight shudder. "For goodness' sake don't say that to -Tony. It's a direct encouragement to suicide." - -Isabel laughed cheerfully. She seemed quite a different person from -the highly strung, frightened girl whom Tony had rescued in Long Acre. - -She buttoned her coat, and stepped lightly into the seat alongside of -Tony, who had already taken his place at the wheel. - -"As a matter of cold truth," he observed, "I am a very careful -driver. If there's likely to be trouble I never run any unnecessary -risks, do I, Jennings?" - -"I can't say, sir," replied Jennings sourly. "I always shuts me -eyes." - -Isabel laughed again and settling herself comfortably back in the -seat, waved her hand to Guy as the car slid off down the drive. - -Tony always drove well, but like most good drivers he had his -particular days. This was certainly one of them. During the earlier -part of the journey, from Hampstead to Hammersmith, his progress -verged upon the miraculous. The Hispano glided in and out of the -traffic like some slim white premiere danseuse threading her way -through the mazes of a ballet, the applause of an audience being -supplied by the occasional compliments from startled bus-drivers -which floated after them through the receding air. - -Isabel seemed to enjoy it all immensely. She had evidently spoken -the truth when she said she was not nervous "in that way," for the -most hair-breadth escapes failed to disturb her serenity. She had -the good sense not to talk much until they were clear of the worst -part of the traffic, but after that she chatted away to Tony with -practically no trace of the embarrassment and shyness that she had -hitherto displayed. Whatever her mysterious troubles might be, she -seemed for the time to have succeeded in throwing them off her mind. - -There being no particular hurry, and thinking that Isabel would enjoy -the drive, Tony did not take the direct road for Maidenhead. He -crossed Hammersmith Bridge and turned off into Richmond Park, which -just then was in all the fresh green beauty of its new spring costume. - -They were three-quarters of the way through and were rapidly -approaching the town, when quite suddenly Isabel, who up till then -had apparently been taking little notice of where they were going, -broke off abruptly in the middle of what she was saying. - -"Why!" she stammered; "isn't--isn't this Richmond Park?" - -Tony looked at her in mild surprise. "Yes," he said. "I came round -this way for the sake of the run." He paused. "What's the matter?" -he added, for all the colour and animation had died out of her face. - -"I--I'd rather not go through Richmond," she faltered, "if--if it's -all the same to you." - -Tony slackened down the pace to a mere crawl. "Why of course," he -said. "We will do exactly what you like. I didn't know----" - -The sentence was never finished. With a sudden little gasp Isabel -shrank back in the car, cowering against him almost as if she had -been struck. - -The cause of her alarm was not difficult to discover. A well-dressed -elderly man who had been walking slowly towards them with his head -down, had suddenly pulled up in the roadway and was staring at her in -a sort of incredulous amazement. Although Tony had only seen him -once before, he recognized him immediately. It was the agitated -gentleman who had been talking to Da Freitas in the hall of the Club -on the previous morning. - -For perhaps a second he remained planted in the road apparently -paralysed with amazement: then with a sudden hoarse exclamation of -"Isabella!" he took a swift stride towards the car. - -Isabel clutched Tony by the arm. - -"Go on," she whispered faintly. - -"Stop, sir!" bellowed the stranger, and with surprising agility for -one of his age and dignified appearance, he hopped upon the step and -caught hold of the door. - -Tony didn't wait for any further instructions. Freeing his arm -quietly from Isabel he leaned across the car, and with a sudden swift -thrust in the chest sent the intruder sprawling in the roadway. - -At the same moment he jammed on the accelerator, and the well-trained -Hispano leaped forward like a greyhound from its leash. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -A RUN-AWAY QUEEN - -A morbid regard for the exact speed limit was never one of Tony's -failings, and he covered the short distance that separated them from -the end of the park in what was probably a record time for that -respectable stretch of fairway. - -He slackened down a little on reaching the gates, but as luck would -have it there was no one about to obstruct his progress, and in a -graceful curve he swept out on to the main road. - -Then with a laugh he turned to Isabel. - -"I love going about with you, Isabel," he said. "One never knows -what's going to happen next." - -She made no answer, but rising slightly in her seat cast a quick, -frightened glance over her shoulder as if to see whether they were -being followed. - -"It's quite all right," went on Tony comfortingly. "I don't know who -your friend is, but we shan't be seeing him again to-day." - -"That," said Isabel faintly--"that was my uncle." - -"Really!" said Tony. "He seems very impulsive." - -He paused for a moment while the Hispano neatly negotiated a rather -dazzled-looking cluster of pedestrians, and then turning again to his -companion he added consolingly: "Don't let it worry you, Isabel. -Lots of charming people have eccentric uncles." - -She made a little protesting gesture with her hands. "Oh, no, no," -she said almost piteously, "I can't go on like this. I must tell you -the whole truth. I ought to have done so right at the beginning." - -"Just as you like," replied Tony, "but hadn't we better wait till we -have had some food. It's so much easier to tell the truth after a -good meal." - -She nodded rather forlornly, and without wasting any further -discussion on the matter, Tony turned away to the right and headed -off in the direction of Cookham. He continued to talk away to Isabel -in his easy, unruffled fashion exactly as if nothing unusual had -occurred, and by the end of the first mile or so she had pulled -herself together sufficiently to answer him back with quite a -passable imitation of her former good spirits. All the same it was -easy to see that underneath this apparent cheerfulness she was in -almost as nervous a state as when he had first met her in Long Acre. - -They reached Cookham, and slowing down as the car entered its -pleasant, straggling main street, Tony turned into the courtyard of -the Dragon. A large, sombre-looking dog attached to a chain greeted -his appearance with vociferous approval; a welcome which, in spirit -at all events, was handsomely seconded by the smiling proprietress, -who a moment later made her appearance through the side door. Tony -was distinctly popular at riverside hotels. - -"How do you do, Miss Brown?" he said. - -"Very well, thank you, Sir Antony," she replied. "And you, sir? Lie -down." - -The latter observation was addressed to the dog. - -"I am suffering from hunger," observed Tony. "Do you think you can -make any nice suggestion about lunch?" - -The landlady paused reflectively. - -"I can give you," she said, "some trout, a roast duckling, and marrow -on toast." - -Tony looked at her for a moment in speechless admiration. "My dear -Miss Brown," he said, "that isn't a suggestion. That's an outburst -of poetry." He turned to Isabel apologetically. "Roast duckling," -he explained, "is one of the few things that make me really excited." - -She laughed--a little gay, frank, natural laugh that Tony was -delighted to hear. "I think all men are greedy," she said. "At -least all the men I've ever known have been." - -Tony nodded. "It's one of the original instincts of humanity," he -observed thoughtfully. "We have to be greedy in self-defence. A man -who isn't is bound to be beaten by a man who is. It's what Darwin -calls the survival of the fattest." He turned back to the landlady -who had been listening to him with a placid smile. "Send us a couple -of cocktails into the dining-room, will you, Miss Brown," he said. -"It would be wicked to rush at a lunch like that without any -preparation." - -All through the meal, which was served in a pleasant room looking out -into a quaint old courtyard garden at the back, Tony kept the -conversation in the same strain of impersonal philosophy. It was not -until the marrow on toast had gone the way of all beautiful earthly -things that he made any reference to Isabel's promised revelation. - -"What do you say to having coffee outside?" he suggested. "There's a -nice place where we can sit in the sun and you can tell me about your -uncle. One should never discuss one's relations in a public -dining-room." - -Isabel contented herself with a nod, and after giving their -instructions to the waiter, they strolled out through the open French -window, and made their way to a rustic bench at the farther end of -the garden. - -It was a delightfully warm, peaceful spring day, and the perfume of -the hyacinths and daffodils that were in full bloom almost -overpowered the slight odour of petrol from the neighbouring garage. - -"It's a curious coincidence," observed Tony, as the waiter retired -after placing their coffee on a small table beside them, "but as a -matter of fact I feel in exactly the right frame of mind for -listening to the truth. I expect it's that bottle of burgundy we -had." - -He struck a match and held it out to Isabel, who, bending forward, -lighted the cigarette which she had been twisting about between her -fingers. - -"It's--it's dreadfully difficult to tell things," she said, sitting -up and looking at him rather helplessly. "I haven't the least notion -how to begin." - -"Of course it's difficult," said Tony. "Nothing requires so much -practice as telling the truth. It's against every civilized impulse -in human nature." He paused. "Suppose we try the catechism idea for -a start. I ask you 'what is your name?' and you say 'Isabel -Francis.'" - -She shook her head. "But--but it isn't," she faltered. "It's--it's -Isabella, and there are about eight other names after it." - -Tony looked at her in surprise. "Why that's exactly the complaint I -am suffering from. I thought it was peculiar to baronets and -superfluous people of that sort." - -"Well, the fact is," began Isabel; then she stopped. "Oh, I know it -sounds too utterly silly," she went on with a sort of hurried -desperation, "but you see the fact is I--I'm a queen." - -She brought out the last three words as if she were confessing some -peculiarly shameful family secret. - -Tony slowly removed his cigarette from his lips. - -"A what?" he inquired. - -"Well, not exactly a queen," said Isabel, correcting herself hastily. -"In a way I am, you know. I mean I ought to be. At least that's -what they say." She broke off in a charming confusion that made her -look prettier than ever. - -Tony leaned back in the seat and contemplated her with deep enjoyment. - -"You grow more perfect every minute, Cousin Isabel," he said. "Don't -hurry yourself, but just tell me quite slowly and deliberately who -you really are." - -Isabel took a long breath. "My father was Don Francisco of Livadia, -and some people say I ought to be the queen." - -Tony was not easily surprised, but for once in his life he sat up as -if he had been struck by an electric shock. Even his trusty powers -of speech were temporarily numbed. - -He had of course heard of Don Francisco--that persistent gentleman -who for twenty years had indulged in spasmodic and ineffectual -efforts to wrest the throne of Livadia from Pedro's father. But that -Isabel should be his daughter, and what was more the apparently -recognized heir to his royal claims, was one of those staggering -surprises for which the English language contains no adequate comment. - -For a moment he remained gazing at her in the blankest astonishment; -then the full humour of the situation suddenly came home to him, and -he broke into a long chuckle of delighted amusement. - -Isabel watched him sympathetically out of her amber eyes. - -"It's quite true," she said. "I know it sounds absurd, but it's -quite true." - -"I don't think it's the least absurd," said Tony, who had now -completely recovered his normal composure. "I think it's the most -beautifully reasonable thing that's ever happened. Of course you are -a queen, or ought to be a queen. I felt that the moment I met you." -He paused, and taking out his case lighted himself a fresh cigarette. -"It was the Livadian part of the business that knocked me out so -completely," he explained. - -Isabel nodded her head. "I know," she said. "I heard you say that -you knew Pedro and Da Freitas. That was one of the things that made -me feel I ought to tell you." - -"It only shows," remarked Tony with quiet satisfaction, "that the -Early Christian Fathers were quite right. If one has faith and -patience one generally gets what one wants sooner or later. All my -life I have had a secret craving to be mixed up in some really -high-class conspiracy; with kings and queens and bombs and wonderful -mysterious people crawling about trying to assassinate each other. I -was just beginning to be afraid that all that kind of thing was -extinct." He drew in a long mouthful of smoke, and let it filter out -luxuriously into the still, warm air. "How very fortunate I happened -to be in Long Acre, wasn't it?" - -"I am so glad you feel like that," said Isabel happily. "I was -afraid you wouldn't want to help me any more when you knew all about -it." - -"But I don't know all about it yet," objected Tony. "Hadn't you -better begin right at the beginning and tell me everything?" - -For a moment Isabel hesitated. - -"Well," she said slowly. "I suppose that what you would call the -beginning--the real beginning--was a long time before I was born. -You see my grandfather always had an idea that he ought to be king of -Livadia, because he said there was something wrong about somebody's -marriage or something back in sixteen hundred and fifty--at least I -think that was the date." - -"It was a very careless century," said Tony. - -"He didn't bother much about it himself," went on Isabel, "because he -hated Livadia and liked to live in Paris or London. Besides I think -they made him an allowance to keep out of the country. Father was -quite different. He always wanted to be a king, and directly my -grandfather died, he started doing everything he could to get what he -called 'his rights.'" - -"I can never understand any intelligent man wanting to be a king," -observed Tony thoughtfully. "One would have to associate entirely -with successful people, and they are always so horribly busy and -conceited." - -"But father wasn't intelligent," explained Isabel, "not in the least -little bit. He was just obstinate. He was quite certain he ought to -be a king, and you know when you are quite certain about a thing -yourself, however silly it is, there are always lots of others who -will agree with you." She paused. "Besides," she went on, "after -the old King died and Pedro's father came to the throne, things were -quite different in Livadia. The taxes went on going up and up, and -the country kept on getting poorer and poorer, until at last a -certain number of people began to wonder whether it wouldn't be -better to have a change. I don't think they thought much of father. -I suppose they just felt he couldn't be worse anyhow." - -"I like your historical sense, Isabel," observed Tony. "It's so free -from prejudice." - -Isabel accepted the compliment with perfect simplicity. "You see I -knew father," she said frankly. "He would have made a very bad king; -he was always getting intoxicated." - -Tony nodded. "Nearly all exiled monarchs are addicted to drink. -They find it necessary to keep up their enthusiasm." - -"But it wasn't only a question of drinking in father's case," went on -Isabel. "People wouldn't have minded that very much; you see they -are so used to it in Livadia. It was the way he quarrelled with -everyone afterwards that spoilt his chances. At one time he had -almost as big a following as the King, but after a bit most of them -gave him up as hopeless. Then someone started the idea of a -Republic. It was quite a small party at first, but people drifted -into it gradually from both sides until in the end it was the -strongest of the three. Father wouldn't give up for a long time. He -was a frightfully obstinate man, and I don't think he knew what it -meant to be afraid. That was one of his best points. He kept on -until nearly everyone who stuck to him had been killed, and then at -last he got badly wounded himself, and only just managed to escape -over the frontier." - -"And what were you doing all this crowded time?" inquired Tony. - -"I," said Isabel, "oh, I was living in Paris with my governess, Miss -Watson." - -"What--the missing lady of Long Acre?" - -Isabel nodded. "She looked after me for fifteen years. You see, -father had spent a good deal of time in London when he was young, and -he always said that English women were the only ones you could trust -because they were so cold. So when my mother died, he engaged Miss -Watson and put me in her charge altogether." - -"Judging by the results," observed Tony, "it seems to have been a -happy choice." - -"She's a dear," said Isabel with enthusiasm, "an absolute dear. I -don't know what I should have been like without her, because father -always insisted on his own people treating me as if I was a real -princess, and we never saw any one else. If it hadn't been for her, -I should probably have believed everything they told me." She paused -for a moment as though reflecting on this narrow but fortunate -escape, and then straightening herself in the seat, she added: "I was -really quite happy until Uncle Philip sent her away." - -"Is Uncle Philip our impetuous friend of Richmond Park?" inquired -Tony. - -"That's him," said Isabel, with a queenly disregard for grammar. "He -is my mother's brother, and his real name is the Count de Sé. He -came to live with us in Paris after father was wounded. He is a -nasty, mean, hateful sort of man, but father liked him because he was -the only person left who treated him like a king. Poor father was -nearly always drunk in those days, and I don't think he really knew -what he was doing. Uncle Philip used to talk to him and flatter him -and all that sort of thing, and at last he got father to make a will -appointing him as my guardian. The very first thing he did, as soon -as father died, was to send away Miss Watson." - -"I don't think I like Uncle Philip," said Tony. "I am glad I pushed -him off the car." - -"So am I," said Isabel with surprising viciousness. "I only hope he -hurt himself. He did fall in the road, didn't he?" she added -anxiously. - -"I think so," said Tony. "It sounded like it anyway." - -"I can't help feeling horrid about him," she went on. "It is all his -fault that any of this has happened." - -"I am glad to hear something in his favour," said Tony. - -"Oh, I don't mean my being here and knowing you. I love that part of -it. I mean Richmond and Pedro and Da Freitas, and--and--oh, all the -hateful, ghastly time I have had the last month." - -She broke off with a slight shiver, as though the very memory were -physically unpleasant. Tony smoked his cigarette in sympathetic -silence until she felt ready to continue. - -"You see," she began, "after Miss Watson was sent away there was no -one to help me at all. Uncle Philip wouldn't let me have any money, -and the only person I could talk to was a horrible old Frenchwoman -who spied on me all the time like a cat. I had a year of that, and -then one day Uncle Philip told me that he had taken a house for us at -Richmond in England, and that we were going over to live there at -once. I didn't mind. Anything seemed better than Paris, and of -course I had no idea what his real plans were." - -There was a short pause. - -"It didn't take me long to find out," she went on bitterly. "The day -after we arrived, I was sitting in the drawing-room when who should -come in but Uncle Philip and the Marquis da Freitas. You can imagine -how astonished I was when Uncle introduced him. Of course I had -always been brought up to look on him as the worst enemy we had. -Well, he bowed and he smiled and he paid me a lot of compliments, and -then he said that now Livadia was a republic it was only right that -the two branches of the royal family should be friends. He kept on -telling me how anxious King Pedro was to make my acquaintance, and at -last it came out that he and the King were living in Richmond and -that we were invited over to dinner the next night. - -"Even then," she continued slowly, "I didn't guess what was behind it -all. It was only when he was gone and I was alone with Uncle that I -found out the truth." - -She paused. - -"Yes?" said Tony. - -Isabel took another long breath. - -"They had arranged for a marriage between me and Pedro, and it was to -come off in a couple of months." - -A low surprised whistle broke from Tony's lips. - -"By Jove!" he said softly. "By Jove!" - -For a moment he remained contemplating Isabel with a sort of grave -enjoyment; then abandoning his cigarette he sat up straight in the -seat. - -"This," he observed, "is undoubtedly a case of predestination. It -must have been arranged millions of years ago that I should be in -Long Acre on that particular evening." - -"Perhaps it was," said Isabel. "Anyway I shouldn't have married -Pedro whatever happened. I made up my mind about that the first time -I saw him." - -"Did you tell him?" asked Tony. - -"I told Uncle Philip as soon as we got home. Of course he was very -angry, but I don't think he took me seriously. He just said it -didn't make any difference--that whether I liked it or not I should -have to be married, so I had better get used to the idea as quickly -as possible." - -Tony nodded his head thoughtfully. - -"It all fits in perfectly except one thing," he said. "I can't quite -see what your uncle and Da Freitas hope to get out of it. They must -both have some notion at the back of their beautiful heads." - -"That's what I don't understand," said Isabel in a puzzled voice. -"Anyhow it's all their arrangement. Pedro doesn't want to marry me -really--not a little bit. He is only doing it because Da Freitas -tells him to." She hesitated. "If it hadn't been for that I -couldn't have stood it as long as I did." - -"How long was it?" asked Tony sympathetically. - -"Just three weeks. The day after that first dinner Da Freitas came -over again, and made a sort of formal proposal. I told him quite -plainly I wouldn't, but it didn't make any difference. Uncle Philip -declared that I was shy, and didn't know what I was talking about, -and Da Freitas said in his horrid oily way that he was quite sure -when I got to know Pedro better I would love him as much as he loved -me. I saw it was no good saying anything else, so I just made up my -mind I would run away." - -Tony looked at her approvingly. "You are extraordinarily practical," -he said, "for the daughter of an exiled monarch." - -"There was nothing else to do," replied Isabel; "but it wasn't easy. -You see I had no money and Uncle never let me go out alone. Wherever -I went I always had Suzanne the old Frenchwoman with me. The only -person I could think of who might be able to help me was Miss Watson. -When she left she had given me her address in London, and I knew she -would do anything she could because she hated Uncle Philip almost as -much as I did. I wrote her a little note and carried it about with -me in my dress for days, but I never got a chance to post it. Well, -things went on like that till last Monday. I was feeling hateful, -because Pedro had been to dinner the night before, and I think he'd -had too much to drink. Anyhow he had wanted to kiss me afterwards, -and there had been a frightful row, and everyone had been perfectly -horrid to me. In the morning Uncle started again. He told me that -he and the Marquis da Freitas had decided to put a stop to what he -called my 'nonsense,' and that they were making arrangements for me -and Pedro to be married immediately. I felt miserable, but I wasn't -going to argue any more about it, so I just said nothing. He went -over there about half-past six in the evening and I was left alone in -the house with Suzanne. They wouldn't trust me to be by myself at -all, except at night, when I was always locked in my bedroom." - -She stopped to push back a rebellious copper-coloured curl which had -temporarily escaped over her forehead. - -"We were sitting in the drawing-room," she went on, "and Suzanne was -knitting, and I was supposed to be reading a book. I wasn't really, -because I was too miserable to think about anything. I was just -sitting doing nothing when I happened to look up, and there I saw -half-a-crown on the writing-desk opposite. I suppose it must have -been Suzanne's. Well, I looked at it for a moment, and then all of a -sudden I made up my mind. I got up out of the chair, and walked -across the room as if I was going to get something fresh to read. As -I passed the desk I picked up the half-crown. I had a horrible -feeling in my back that Suzanne was watching me, but I didn't look -round till I got to the book-case, and then I saw that she was still -knitting away quite peacefully and happily. I didn't wait any -longer. I just walked straight on to the door, and before she knew -what was happening, I had slipped out on to the landing and locked -her in." - -"Splendid!" said Tony with enthusiasm. "I can almost hear her -gnashing her teeth." - -"She was rather angry," admitted Isabel, "but I didn't pay any -attention to her. I knew that no one could hear, so I left her to -shout and kick the door and ran straight up to my room. I was too -excited to bother much about what I took with me. I just stuffed a -few things in my bag, and then I crept downstairs again, and got out -of the house as quick as ever I could." - -"Did you feel afraid?" asked Tony. - -"Not till I got to the station. Then I found I had ten minutes to -wait for a train and that was awful. I kept on thinking Uncle Philip -would turn up every moment. I stopped in the ladies' waiting-room as -long as I could, and then I made a dash for the platform and jumped -into the first carriage I came to. It was full of old women, and -they all stared at me as if I was mad. I felt horribly red and -uncomfortable, but I wasn't going to get out again, so I just -squeezed into a seat and shut my eyes and let them stare." - -"You mustn't blame them," said Tony. "It's the special privilege of -cats to scrutinize Royalty." - -"Oh, I didn't mind really. I am sort of accustomed to it. People -used to stare at me in France when I went in a train. I expect it's -my red hair." She paused. "All the same I was glad when we got to -Waterloo. I was so excited I could hardly breathe till I was past -the barrier, and then I nearly collapsed. I know now just how an -animal feels when he gets out of a trap." She turned to Tony. "You -don't think I'm an awful coward, do you?" - -"I think you are as brave as a lion," said Tony. - -"I didn't feel it then," she answered. "I was trembling all over and -my heart was thumping like anything. I sat down on a seat for a -minute, and then I thought I would go into the refreshment room and -have a cup of tea. You see I had come away without any dinner." - -"You poor dear!" said Tony feelingly. "Of course you had!" - -"Well, I got up from the seat, and I was just looking round to see -where the refreshment room was, when I suddenly caught sight of two -men staring at me like anything." - -"What--not our two comic opera pals?" exclaimed Tony. - -Isabel nodded emphatically. "Yes," she said, "that's who it was. -They were standing over by the bookstall talking together. They -turned away directly I looked at them, but I knew perfectly well they -were watching me. I had never seen either of them before and it made -me feel horribly frightened again. I thought that perhaps Uncle had -telephoned up to London, and that they were two policemen who had -come to fetch me back." - -"You can always tell an English policeman when he is in plain -clothes," interrupted Tony. "He looks so fearfully ashamed of -himself." - -"I didn't know," said Isabel. "I was too upset to think much, and -when they came after me into the refreshment room I could simply have -screamed. I thought they were going to speak to me then, but they -didn't. They just sat there while I had my tea, and then followed me -out on to the platform. I asked a porter what was the best way to -get to Long Acre, and he told me to take the tube to Leicester -Square. I hoped and hoped I'd manage to lose them, but it was no -good. They came along in the same carriage and got out at Leicester -Square, too." - -"I wish I'd been with you," said Tony regretfully. "I have never -been traced or shadowed or anything like that. It must be a -wonderful feeling." - -"It was awful in the lift," said Isabel. "I hadn't the least notion -which way to go when I got out, and I felt certain they would come up -and speak to me. I was so desperate that just as the lift stopped I -turned round to the lady who was standing next me and asked her if -she could show me the way to Long Acre. You can imagine how pleased -I was when she said she was going in that direction and I could walk -along with her." - -"I suppose they crept stealthily after you," said Tony. "People -always do that in books when they are shadowing anybody." - -"I suppose they did," said Isabel. "I was much too frightened to -look round. I just walked along with the lady till we got to the -door of the flats, and then I thanked her very much and ran upstairs -as fast as I could. Miss Watson's number was right at the top of the -building. There was no bell, so I hammered on the knocker, and then -I stood there panting and trying to get my breath, and thinking every -moment I should hear them coming up the stairs after me. - -"Well, I stood there and stood there, and nothing happened, and then -suddenly it came to me as if--oh, just as if somebody had dropped a -lump of ice down inside my dress. Suppose Miss Watson had left! You -see I had been so excited about getting away from Richmond I had -never thought of that. For a second it made me feel quite ill; then -I grabbed hold of the knocker, and I was just beginning to hammer -again, when the door of the opposite flat opened and an old gentleman -came out on to the landing. He was a fat, cross-looking old man, -with spectacles and carpet slippers, and a newspaper in his hand. He -said to me: 'It's no good making that horrible noise. Miss Watson -has gone away for a month, and there's no one in the place.' Then he -banged the door and went back into the flat." - -"Dyspeptic old brute," observed Tony. "I hope you went on hammering." - -"What was the good?" said Isabel with a little despairing gesture. -"I knew he was speaking the truth because I had already made enough -noise to wake up twenty people. Besides I seemed to have gone all -sort of numbed and stupid. I had so counted on finding Miss Watson I -had never even begun to think what would happen if she wasn't there." - -"It must have been a shattering blow," said Tony. "I think I should -have burst into tears." - -"I couldn't cry; I was too dazed and miserable. I just leaned where -I was against the wall and wondered what on earth I was to do next. -The only thing I could think of was to go to a hotel. I had no -money, except what was left out of the half-crown, but I had got my -rings and I knew I could sell them the next day. It was the two men -outside that I was so frightened of. I felt certain they were -policemen, and that if I went anywhere they would be sure to follow -me and then telegraph to Uncle Philip where I was. - -"I don't know how long I stayed on the landing. It seemed an age, -but I expect it was only about half an hour really. I thought that -perhaps if I stopped there long enough they might get tired of -waiting and go away. - -"At last I began to feel so cold and hungry and tired I simply -couldn't stand it any longer. I came downstairs again as far as the -hall, and then I walked across to the door and looked out into the -street. I couldn't see a sign of anybody waiting about, so I just -sort of set my teeth and stepped out on to the pavement. I stood -there for a second wondering which way to go, and then almost before -I knew what was happening there I was with my back against the wall, -and those two horrible men in front of me." - -She paused with a little reminiscent gasp. - -"And the rest of the acts of Isabel and all that she did," began -Tony; then he broke off with a laugh. "What was it our squint-eyed -friend was actually saying to you?" he asked. - -"It wasn't so much what he said," answered Isabel; "it was what he -said it in. He spoke to me in Livadian." - -Tony nodded composedly. "I thought so," he observed. - -"He said: 'Don't be frightened, Madam; we are your friends.' At -least I think it was that. I was too upset to listen to him -properly; and the next moment you came." She drew in a long breath. -"Oh, I was pleased," she added simply. - -"So was I," said Tony, "and so was Bugg. In fact I think we were all -pleased except your friends." He paused. "Are you quite sure you -hadn't seen either of them before?" - -Isabel nodded. "Quite," she said. "I never forget faces; especially -faces like that." - -"They _are_ the sort that would linger in one's memory," said Tony. -He got up from the seat and stood for a moment with his hands in his -side-pockets looking thoughtfully down at Isabel. - -"Now you know everything," she began hesitatingly. "Are you--are you -still certain you wouldn't like me to go away?" - -"Go away!" repeated Tony. "My incomparable cousin, what are you -talking about?" - -"But just think," she pleaded. "It may mean all sorts of trouble. I -don't know who those two men are or what they want, but I've got a -sort of horrible feeling they will find me out again somehow. And -then there's my uncle and Da Freitas." She gave a little shiver. -"Oh, you don't know Da Freitas as I do. There's nothing he will stop -at to get me back--absolutely nothing." - -Tony smiled happily. "I quite believe you," he said. "I should -think he was a most unscrupulous brute. People with those smooth -purry voices always are." Then with that sudden infectious laugh he -took his hands from his pockets and held them out to Isabel, who -after a momentary hesitation put out her own to meet them. "My dear -Isabel," he said, almost seriously; "haven't you grasped the great -fact that this is the most colossal jest ever arranged by Providence? -I should see it through to the end if I had to get up to breakfast -every day for the rest of my life." He paused with a twinkle in his -eyes. "Unless, of course, you really want to be Queen of Livadia." - -"Me!" exclaimed Isabel, with the same fine disregard for grammar. -"Why, I never want to see the hateful place again. There's nothing I -would love better than just to stay with you--I mean of course," she -added hastily, "until Miss Watson comes back." - -"Of course," said Tony. - -Then suddenly releasing her hands, Isabel too got up from the seat. - -"It's only that I don't want to be a trouble or--or an expense," she -added a little confusedly. - -"As far as the expense goes," said Tony, "the matter is already -settled. I have consulted one of the most eminent pawnbrokers in -London, and he tells me that your great-grandmother had a very pretty -taste in jewellery. There will be no need to pawn the rings. He let -me have seven thousand pounds on the brooch alone." - -"Seven thousand pounds," echoed Isabel with a gasp. "Oh, but how -lovely! I can live on that for ever." She hesitated for a moment. -"They are part of the Royal collection you know. Pedro gave them to -me when we were betrothed--at least I don't suppose he really meant -me to keep them." - -Tony laughed joyously. "What fun!" he exclaimed. "I should love to -have seen Da Freitas' face when he heard you had taken them with you. -Though as a matter of fact," he added, "we shall probably see it -quite soon enough, unless Uncle Phil was too agitated to recognize -me." - -"Recognize you?" repeated Isabel, opening her eyes. "Why he has -never seen you before this morning!" - -"Yes, he has," said Tony. "I happened to be in the hall of the Club -yesterday, when he came rushing in to tell Da Freitas that you had -disappeared. At least I imagine that was what he came for. He could -hardly have been so beautifully excited about anything else." - -"Oh dear!" exclaimed Isabel in dismay. "Then if he saw you in the -car he will be able to find out who you are from Da Freitas." - -Tony nodded. "One can't have all the trumps," he observed -philosophically. "It would be an awfully dull game if one did." - -There was a second's pause. Then with a sudden impulsive gesture -Isabel clasped her hands together in front of her. - -"I don't care," she remarked defiantly. "I'm not frightened of them. -I don't believe I shall be frightened of anything--not with you to -help me." - - - - -CHAPTER X - -THE ROYAL ENTERPRISE - -The mellow-toned grandfather clock in the corner chimed out the -stroke of nine-thirty as Guy crossed the hall with a bundle of papers -in his hand. He had reached the foot of the banisters and was -preparing to ascend, when his progress was brought to a sudden -standstill. - -Coming down the broad oak staircase, with the inevitable cigarette -between his lips, was the smiling and fully dressed figure of Sir -Antony Conway. - -Guy stared at him incredulously. - -"Good gracious, Tony!" he observed. "Do you mean to say you have got -up to breakfast two days running?" - -"I have," said Tony with some dignity. "As the prospective member -for Balham North, I feel it's my duty to be thoroughly English." He -reached the bottom of the stairs and slipped his arm through his -cousin's. "I have told Spalding that I will have porridge, eggs and -bacon, marmalade, and a copy of the _Times_," he added. "Come along -into the study and help me to face them." - -"Well, I am pretty busy this morning," said Guy, "but I would -sacrifice a good deal for the sake of seeing you reading the _Times_ -and eating a proper healthy breakfast." - -"Oh, I don't suppose I shall go as far as that," said Tony. "I shall -probably only look at them. There is no point in carrying things to -extremes." - -He pushed open the door of the study, where they discovered Spalding -in the act of putting the finishing touches to a charmingly appointed -breakfast table. - -With a final glance of approval at his handiwork, that well-trained -servitor stepped back and pulled out a chair for Tony. - -"Is everything ready?" inquired the latter. - -"Quite ready, Sir Antony," replied Spalding. "The copy of the -_Times_ is beside your plate, sir. You will find the engineering -supplement inside." - -He brought up another chair for Guy, and then retiring to a small -electric lift in the wall, produced the eggs and bacon and porridge -which he placed on the sideboard upon a couple of carefully trimmed -and already lighted spirit stoves. - -"You needn't wait, Spalding," said Tony. "I like to help myself at -breakfast; it's more in keeping with the best English traditions." - -Spalding bowed, and crossing to the door closed it noiselessly behind -him. - -Tony began leisurely to pour himself out a cup of tea. - -"I suppose you have had your breakfast, Guy?" he observed. - -The latter nodded. "I have," he said, "but if you are going to keep -up this excellent habit of early rising, I shall wait for you in -future." - -"Yes, do," said Tony. "Then we can read out the best bits in the -_Times_ to each other. Henry and Laura do it every morning at -breakfast." He took a sip out of the cup and lighted himself a fresh -cigarette. "By the way," he added. "I am going to meet them at -lunch to-day." - -"Where?" inquired Guy. - -"At Aunt Fanny's. She sent me a sort of S.O.S. call this morning -saying that they were coming and imploring help. I can't leave her -alone with them. She is getting too old for really hard work." - -"I believe Aunt Fanny deliberately encourages you to laugh at them," -said Guy severely. - -"I don't want any encouragement," protested Tony, helping himself to -a delicately browned piece of toast. - -"If I didn't laugh at Laura I should weep." - -"You would do much better if you listened a bit more to what they -said. But of course it's no use offering you any advice." - -"Oh, yes, it is," said Tony. "That's where you wrong me." He leaned -back in his chair and looked mischievously across at his cousin. "I -pay the most careful attention to everything you tell me, Guy. At -the present moment I am seriously thinking of following some advice -you gave me yesterday." - -"What about?" asked Guy suspiciously. - -Tony broke off a little piece of toast and crunched it thoughtfully -between his teeth. - -"About Cousin Isabel," he replied. - -Something remarkably like a faint flush of colour mounted into Guy's -face. - -"Really!" he observed with an admirable indifference. - -Tony nodded gently. "Certain things which have come to my knowledge -since have made me feel that perhaps you were right in what you said. -I doubt whether I should be justified in risking my political career -for the sake of a passing whim. After all one has to think of the -country." - -Guy looked at him with mistrust. "You don't suppose I shall swallow -that," he observed. - -"It doesn't matter," said Tony sadly. "I am used to being -misunderstood." He paused. "What did you think of Isabel?" he asked. - -Guy was evidently prepared for the question. "I was pleasantly -surprised with her," he admitted. "She seemed to me a very -attractive girl, and I should think quite straightforward." - -Again Tony nodded his head. "Yes," he said, "I think that's true. -It makes me all the more sorry I can't go on helping her." - -"Can't go on helping her!" repeated Guy. "What do you mean?" - -"Well, she told me her history yesterday, and it's not at all the -sort of thing a rising young politician ought to be mixed up with. -She admitted as much herself. I am afraid the only thing to do is to -get rid of her as quickly as we can." - -Guy sat up indignantly. "I don't know what you are talking about," -he said, "but I am quite sure you have misunderstood her in some way -or other. Anyhow what you suggest is impossible. You can't pick up -people and drop them again in this thoughtless and selfish fashion. -What's the girl to do? You have chosen to make yourself responsible -for her, and you must arrange to send her back to her people--or -something." - -"Unfortunately," said Tony, "there are difficulties in the way. Her -father and mother are both dead, and her nearest relations are all -out of work for the moment." - -"Has she any profession?" asked Guy. - -Tony nodded. - -"Yes, she's a queen." - -There was a short silence. "A _what_?" demanded Guy. - -"A queen!" repeated Tony. "It's not a profession that I altogether -approve of for women, but she had been brought up to it, and----" - -Guy pushed back his chair. "Look here, Tony," he exclaimed, "what on -earth are you talking about?" - -Tony raised his eyebrows. "Isabel," he explained patiently. "Cousin -Isabel. The nice little red-haired girl you were teaching gardening -to yesterday. She is the only daughter of that late lamented -inebriate--Don Francisco of Livadia." - -With a startled ejaculation Guy suddenly sat up straight in his -chair. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but nothing intelligible -seemed to suggest itself. - -"Furthermore," pursued Tony tranquilly, "she is the affianced wife of -our illustrious little pal King Pedro the Fifth. That of course -explains why she has run away." - -By a supreme effort Guy succeeded in regaining his lost powers of -conversation. His face was a beautiful study in amazement, dismay, -and incredulity. - -"But--but--Good Heavens!" he gasped; "This can't be true! You must -be joking!" - -"Joking!" repeated Tony sternly. "Of course I'm not joking. No -respectable Englishman ever jokes at breakfast." - -Guy threw up his hands with a gesture that was almost tragic. - -"Well, if it's true," he observed, "you have just about gone and done -it this time with a vengeance." He got up from his seat, took a -couple of agitated paces towards the window, and then came back to -the table where the future member for Balham North was still placidly -munching his toast. "Good Lord, Tony!" he exclaimed; "don't you -understand what a serious matter this is?" - -"Of course I do," said Tony. "You don't suppose I would talk about -it at breakfast otherwise." - -"It's more than serious," continued Guy in a strained voice. -"It's--it's the most unholy mess that even you have ever mixed -yourself up in. If this girl is really who you say she is, we shall -have the whole diplomatic service tumbling over themselves to find -her." He paused. "For goodness' sake tell me the whole story at -once; there may possibly be some way out of it after all." - -"I don't think there is," said Tony contentedly. "Of course I could -desert Isabel, but as you have just pointed out to me, that would be -very brutal and dishonourable. Anyhow, if you will take a pew and -try and look a little less like Sarah Bernhardt, I'll tell you -exactly how things stand. Then you can judge for yourself." - -Guy resumed his seat, and after pausing to light himself a third -cigarette, Tony began to repeat Isabel's romantic history, more or -less as she had described it to him at Cookham on the previous day. -There was a leisurely style about his method that must have been -somewhat provoking to Guy, whose anxiety to hear the whole truth -seemed to be of a painful intensity. Tony, however, proceeded in his -own unhurried fashion, and by a masterly exhibition of self-control -Guy refrained from any comment or interruption until the entire story -was told. - -Then he sat back in his chair with the stony expression of one who -has learnt the worst. - -Tony looked at him sympathetically. "One can't very well get out of -it, can one, Guy?" he observed. "Of course I might give Isabel a -week's notice, but after the bitter and scornful way you spoke to me -just now about my selfishness I should hardly like to do that. -Besides, as a moral man I strongly disapprove of Pedro's intentions. -I think nobody should be allowed to marry who has not led a perfectly -pure life." - -"Oh, shut up," said Guy; "shut up and let me think." He buried his -forehead in his hands for a moment or two, and then looked up again -with such a harassed appearance that Tony felt quite sorry for him. -"It's--it's worse than I thought," he added despairingly. "What on -earth do you imagine is going to be the end of it?" - -"I haven't the remotest notion," admitted Tony cheerfully. "The only -thing I have quite made up my mind about is that Isabel shan't be -forced into marrying Pedro." - -"I agree with you there," said Guy with sudden warmth. "It's an -infamous proposal. I can't see what's at the bottom of it either -unless there is still a party in Livadia who believe in her father's -claim. I thought they were pretty well extinct." He paused for a -moment, his brow puckered in deep and anxious reflection. "Anyhow," -he added, "you have put yourself into a frightfully delicate -position. Da Freitas will move heaven and earth to find the girl, -and you can be quite sure he will get any possible assistance he asks -for from our people." - -"I don't believe he'll ask for any," said Tony. "I've got a notion -that they want to keep this marriage business as quiet as possible. -Why should they have tried to rush it so, otherwise? If that's right -they will probably be only too anxious to keep the police out of it, -especially since they have seen Isabel with me." - -"But do you think her uncle recognized you?" - -"Can't say," replied Tony tranquilly. "He only saw me for a second -in the hall of the Club, and he was so agitated then that even a -beautiful face like mine might have escaped him. Still I should -think they were bound to get on our track sooner or later. That's -the worst of a carelessly built place like London. One always runs -into the people one doesn't want to meet." - -"There are those other men too," said Guy, who was evidently -pondering each point in the problem--"the men who are following her -about. What do you make of them?" - -"I shall have to make an example of them," said Tony firmly. "I -really can't have dirty foreigners hanging about outside my house. -It's so bad for one's reputation." - -"Oh, do be serious for a moment," pleaded Guy almost angrily. "We -are in this business now, and----" - -"_We!_" echoed Tony with pleasure. "My dear Guy! Do you really mean -that you're going to lend us your powerful aid?" - -"Of course I am," said Guy impatiently. "I think you were very -foolish to mix yourself up in the affair at all, but since you have -chosen to do it, you don't suppose that I shall desert you. If ever -you wanted assistance I should say you did now." - -Tony leaned across, and taking his cousin's hand, shook it warmly -over the breakfast table. - -"Dear old Guy," he observed. "I always thought that under a rather -forbidding exterior you concealed the heart of a true sportsman." - -"Nonsense," returned Guy. "I am your secretary, and it's my business -to look after you when you make an idiot of yourself." He paused. -"Besides," he added, "there is the girl to be considered." - -Tony nodded. "Yes," he said, "we must consider Isabel. By the way I -have never thanked you for being so nice to her yesterday. She told -me that you were perfectly charming." - -For a second time Guy's face assumed a faint tinge of colour. - -"One couldn't help feeling sorry for the child when one spoke to -her," he said stiffly. "It appears to be no fault of her own that -she has been put in this impossible position." He hesitated for a -moment. "I hope to goodness, Tony," he added, "that you--you----" - -Tony laughed softly. "It's quite all right," he said. "Don't be -alarmed, Guy. My feelings towards Isabel are as innocent as the -dawn." He glanced at the slim gold watch that he wore on his wrist, -and then in a leisurely fashion got up from his chair. "I hate to -break up this charming breakfast party," he said, "but I must be off. -I am going to look up Isabel on my way to Aunt Fanny's. I want to -see how many intruding strangers Bugg has murdered in the night." - -Guy also rose to his feet. - -"I say, Tony," he said. "Let us understand each other quite clearly. -However you choose to look at it, this is an uncommonly serious -business--and there are some very ugly possibilities in it. We can't -afford to treat it as a joke--not if you really want to keep Isabel -out of these people's hands." - -Tony nodded his head. "I know that, Guy," he said. "I can't help my -incurable light-heartedness, but I can assure you that Cousin Henry -himself couldn't be more deadly serious about it than I am. I -promise you faithfully I won't play the fool." - -"Right you are," said Guy. "In that case you can count on me to the -utmost." - -It was about a quarter of an hour later when Tony pulled up the big -Peugot outside Mrs. Spalding's, and climbing down from his seat -pushed open the gate. As he did so the door of the house was opened -in turn by Bugg, who presented a singularly spruce and animated -appearance. His hair had evidently been brushed and brilliantined -with extreme care, and he was wearing a tight-fitting black and white -check suit that reminded one of a carefully made draught-board. - -"Good-morning, Bugg," said Tony, as he came up the steps. "You look -very beautiful." - -Bugg saluted with a slightly embarrassed smile. - -"I brought along me Sunday togs, Sir Ant'ny; seein' as 'ow I was to -be livin' in the 'ouse with two ladies." - -"Quite right, Bugg," said Tony approvingly. "It's just that -thoughtfulness in small matters that makes the true artist in life." -He paused to pull off his driving gloves. "Is there any news?" he -asked. - -Bugg cast a quick warning glance over his shoulder into the house. - -"'Ere's the young laidy, sir," he replied in a hoarse whisper. "See -yer ahtside after." - -He moved away as Isabel came lightly down the stairs, and advanced -along the passage to meet them. - -She greeted Tony with just the faintest touch of shyness, and then -led the way into the small sitting-room on the right. - -Here she held out her hand to him, and bowing over it with extreme -gravity, Tony kissed the pink tip of one of her fingers. - -"I trust your Majesty slept well?" he observed. - -She pulled away her hand. "Oh, please don't tease me," she said. -"You can't imagine how funny I feel about it all." She paused. "If -we hadn't met Uncle Philip yesterday, I believe I should have begun -to think the whole thing was a dream." - -"Perhaps it is," said Tony. "Personally I shouldn't be a bit -surprised if I woke up and found Spalding standing by my bed with a -cup of tea." - -"It doesn't matter really anyway," said Isabel, "because we are all -dreaming the same thing, aren't we? You and I and Bugg, and--and -your cousin Mr. Guy." - -"Guy certainly is," answered Tony. "You have made a positively -devastating conquest of poor Guy. How on earth did you manage to do -it?" - -Isabel opened her amber eyes. "I don't know," she said innocently. -"He was very nice and kind. I only talked to him and smiled at him." - -"Ah, that accounts for it," said Tony solemnly. - -He put his hat down and seated himself on the sofa. "You really -ought to be more careful," he added. "It isn't fair to go about -bewitching respectable secretaries. You never know what they may -turn into." - -"Have you told him?" asked Isabel. - -"Everything," said Tony. "He is yearning to plunge into the fray and -re-seat you on the throne of Livadia. I left him practising sword -exercises in the hall." - -Isabel laughed, and opening the bag that was lying on the table -beside her took out a little silver cigarette case, which she offered -to Tony. - -"Do have one," she said. "I bought it yesterday afternoon out of the -money you gave me. It was very extravagant, but I love shopping. -You see I have not been allowed to do any in London." - -Tony, who never smoked anything but Virginian tobacco, helped himself -bravely to a gold tipped product of the Turkish Empire, and lit it -with apparent zest. - -"All the truest pleasure in life comes from doing things one hasn't -been allowed to do," he observed. "To enjoy anything properly one -ought to go in for a long course of self-denial first." - -"I--I suppose you're right," said Isabel doubtfully, "but it's rather -difficult, isn't it?" - -"I should think it was," said Tony. "I have never tried it myself." -He felt in his pocket for a moment, and then pulled out a cheque -book, which bore the stamped address of the same Hampstead bank at -which he kept his own account. - -"This is yours, Isabel," he said handing it across to her. "I have -paid the money I got for the brooch into your account, so you can go -on shopping as long and fiercely as you like. Do you know how to -draw a cheque?" - -Isabel nodded. "Oh, yes," she said. "You just fill it in and write -your name at the bottom, and then they give you the money. It's -quite easy, isn't it." - -"Quite," said Tony. "All real miracles are." - -Isabel slipped away the cheque book into her bag. Then she looked at -Tony with that half childish and wholly delightful smile of hers. - -"Now I am rich," she said. "I can begin entertaining." She -hesitated. "Should I be doing anything very dreadful--I--I mean from -the English point of view--if I asked you to come and have dinner -with me somewhere to-night?" - -"Of course you wouldn't," said Tony firmly. "A queen has an -absolutely free hand about things like that. It's what is called the -Royal Prerogative. There is a well established precedent in the case -of Queen Elizabeth and the Earl of Leicester." - -"That's all right then," said Isabel in a relieved voice. "What time -will you come?" - -"Quite early," said Tony. "In fact I think I will come to tea if I -may. I am lunching with Cousin Henry and his wife and that always -makes me thirsty." He glanced at his watch, and then got up from the -sofa. "I mustn't stop any longer now," he added. "I have several -things to do before I get to Chester Square, and it's so rude to keep -people waiting for lunch. Besides it spoils the lunch." - -Isabel laughed happily, and rising to her feet gave him her hand -again--this time with little or no trace of her former shyness. -Indeed it was difficult to be shy with Tony for any very extended -period. - -"I will see that you have some nice tea anyway," she said. "I will -make it for you myself." - -Tony paused for a moment on the threshold of the house to exchange -his Turkish cigarette for a Virginian, and then strolled off down the -garden towards the gate. As he approached the latter it was opened -for him by "Tiger" Bugg, who had apparently been waiting patiently -beside the car. - -"Don't look hup, sir," observed that distinguished welter-weight in a -low earnest voice. "Jest carry on saime as if we was talkin' abaht -nothin' partic'lar." - -With an air of complete indifference Tony strolled across the -pavement to the front of the car and lifted up the bonnet. Bugg -followed, and bent over the exposed engine beside him, as though -pointing out some minor deficiency. - -"There's one of them blokes watchin' of us," continued "Tiger" in the -same confidential tone. "'E's be'ind the fence opposite. Bin -'anging arahnd 'ere all the blinkin' morning." - -"Really!" said Tony gently. "Which of them is it?" - -"It's the shorter one, sir. The one I give that flip in the jaw to. -I seen 'im w'en I come aht o' the front door this mornin'. 'E was -doin' a sorter boy scout stunt be'ind the bushes, and I 'ad 'alf a -mind to land 'im with one o' them loose bricks. Then I remembers wot -you'd said yesterday--abaht lyin' low like--so I jest 'urns a toon -and pretends I 'adn't spotted 'im." - -"You have the true instincts of a sleuth, Bugg," observed Tony -approvingly. - -"I shouldn't be 'alf surprised if they was both abaht somewhere," -went on the gratified "Tiger" in a hoarse whisper. "It's my belief, -sir, that they mean to 'ang arahnd until they sees a chance of -gettin' at the young laidy without no interruptions from us. I'd bet -a dollar that if I was to clear off the plaice for 'arf an hour, -they'd be shovin' their dirty selves into the 'ouse all -right--some'ow or other." - -"By Jove!" exclaimed Tony softly. "You have given me an idea, -Bugg--a brilliant idea." - -He continued to reflect in silence for a moment or two, and then at -last he shut down the bonnet with that particularly pleasant smile of -his which Guy always declared to be the sure harbinger of approaching -trouble. - -"I shall return about four o'clock, Bugg," he said. "I think we may -have an interesting and instructive afternoon ahead of us--thanks to -you." - -Bugg sighed happily. "I'll be 'ere, sir," he observed. "I'd like to -see that there tall bloke again. I 'ate leavin' a job 'alf finished." - -"And meanwhile," said Tony, "take particular care of Miss Francis. -It's quite possible there may be somebody else wanting to speak to -her privately besides our pals opposite." - -Bugg's eyes gleamed. "It don't make no difference to me, sir, 'ow -many of 'em there is. Nothin' doin'. That's my motter as far as -visitors goes." - -Tony nodded approvingly, and entering the car started off down the -hill, leaving Bugg standing grimly at the gate, in an attitude that -must have been deeply discouraging to any concealed gentleman who -might be hoping for an early entrance. - -After visiting his tailor in Sackville Street, and discharging one or -two other less momentous duties, Tony made his way to Chester Square, -where he pulled up outside Lady Jocelyn's house, exactly as the clock -of St. Peter's was striking one-thirty. - -Punctual as he was Laura and Henry had arrived before him. He heard -the former's rich contralto voice in full swing as the maid preceded -him up the staircase, and it was with that vague feeling of -depression the sound invariably inspired in him that he entered the -charmingly furnished little drawing-room. - -Lady Jocelyn, who looked rather like an old ivory miniature, was -sitting on the sofa, and going up to her Tony bent over and kissed -her affectionately. Then he shook hands with both his cousins. - -"I have been hearing the most wonderful things about you, Tony," said -Lady Jocelyn. "If I didn't dislike veal so much I should certainly -have killed the fatted calf for lunch. Is it really true that you -are going to become the member for--for--where is it, Laura?" - -"Balham North," remarked Laura firmly. - -She was a tall fair-haired lady, with thin lips, a masterful nose, -and a pair of relentless blue eyes. - -"I believe it's quite true, Aunt Fanny," returned Tony. "In fact I -understand it has all been arranged except for the formality of -consulting the natives." - -"How splendid," said Lady Jocelyn. "And who are the natives? I -always thought Balham was still unexplored." - -Tony shook his head. "Oh, no," he said. "Henry has been right into -the interior. He can even speak the language--can't you, Henry?" - -"There is nothing to laugh at about Balham," said Henry a little -stiffly. "It is one of the best residential suburbs in London." - -"And extremely well educated politically," put in Laura in her clear -incisive voice. "I have been looking into the matter, and I find -that our various temperance and purity leagues have no less than -seven branches there, and that the reports from all of them are -distinctly encouraging. On the whole I regard it as one of the must -hopeful constituencies in London." - -Lady Jocelyn looked a little puzzled. "What do they hope for?" she -inquired. - -"Lunch, m'lady," remarked the parlour-maid, opening the door. - -"In that case," said Tony gravely, "they couldn't have chosen a more -efficient representative." - -Like the wise woman she was, Lady Jocelyn always had an excellent -cook, and a single glance at the menu as they settled themselves down -round the table had an inspiriting effect upon the entire party. -Even Laura was not wholly exempt from its influence. Though a stern -advocate of the superior food value of lentils and beans as far as -the poor were concerned, she herself had a very handsome appreciation -for the less scientific forms of diet. She ate with enthusiasm and -staying power; after a second helping of mousse of ham and cold -asparagus, she became more affable than Tony had ever seen her. - -"I can hardly describe the satisfaction that Tony's decision to stand -has given to Henry and me," she observed to Lady Jocelyn. "We have -been trying for years to persuade him to do something worthy of his -position. A life of empty pleasure is such an appallingly bad -example for the poor." - -"I am not quite sure that I agree with you there," said Tony. "I -believe the possibility of being able to live eventually in complete -idleness is one of the few real incentives to hard work. There ought -to be one or two examples about, so that people can realize how -pleasant that sort of life is." - -"You have done your share, Tony," said Lady Jocelyn consolingly. -"You will be able to go to sleep in the House of Commons with a -perfectly clear conscience." - -"Of course you are joking, Aunt Fanny," said Henry. "You are much -too well informed to believe that sort of nonsense. I doubt if there -is a more arduous profession in the world than being a member of -Parliament--provided of course that a man takes his work seriously. -Tony has promised us that he will do that." - -"And we shall be there to keep him up to it," added Laura crisply. - -Lady Jocelyn looked at Tony with some sympathy. "I only hope he -won't break down," she said. "It's not everyone who can stand these -severe strains." - -"Oh, Tony's as sound as a bell," returned Henry a little -contemptuously. "Hard work will do him all the good in the -world--it's just what he wants. I have been advising him to take up -some special subject and master it thoroughly before he goes into the -House. It's the only way to get on quickly nowadays." He turned to -Tony. "Have you thought that over at all yet? I mean do you feel a -special leaning towards any particular question?" - -Tony took a long drink of champagne and put down his glass. - -"Yes, Henry," he said, "during the last two days I have discovered -that foreign politics have a remarkable attraction for me." - -"Foreign politics!" repeated Henry. "Well, they're an interesting -subject, but I should have thought you would have found them a little -too--too--what shall we say--too remote." - -Tony shook his head. "No," he said, "I haven't found that. Of -course I don't know very much about them yet, but I expect to be -learning quite a lot before long." - -"Well, that's the right spirit anyway," said Henry heartily. "When I -get back I will instruct my secretary to send you along some White -Books to study. Remember if there is anything we can do to help -you--introductions you would like or anything of that sort--don't -hesitate to ask us." - -"I won't," said Tony. - -Harmoniously as matters had been proceeding up to this point, the -remainder of the lunch party was even more of a pronounced success. -It was evident that Tony's sudden and surprising absorption in world -politics was highly approved of both by Henry and Laura, who seemed -to regard it as a sign that he was beginning to take his -Parliamentary career with becoming seriousness. If at times old Lady -Jocelyn's twinkling black eyes suggested a certain amount of -scepticism in the matter, she at least said nothing to disturb this -pleasant impression, while Tony himself sustained his new rôle with -that imperturbable ease of manner which never seemed to desert him. - -It was nearly half-past three before Laura and Henry rose to go, and -then they took their leave with an approving friendliness that -reminded one of a tutor saying good-bye to a promising pupil. - -"I will have those White Books sent round at once," said Henry, -warmly shaking his cousin's hand. "There is a new one just issued -dealing with the Patagonia boundary dispute. You will find it most -interesting." - -"It sounds ripping," said Tony. - -"And you needn't worry a bit about your election," added Laura. -"Henry's seat is so safe that I shall be able to give up my entire -time to helping you." - -"That _will_ be nice, won't it, Tony?" said Lady Jocelyn innocently. - -She rose to her feet with the aid of her ebony stick, and taking -Henry's arm accompanied him and Laura to the head of the staircase, -where she said good-bye to them both. She then came back into the -room, and closing the door behind her, shook her head slowly and -reprovingly at the future member for Balham North. - -"I should like to know exactly what pleasant surprise you are -preparing for them, Tony," she said. - -Tony came up, and putting his arm round her, conducted her gently to -her customary place on the sofa. - -"I wonder if the Prodigal Son had a sceptical aunt?" he said sadly. - -With a little chuckle Lady Jocelyn settled herself into her seat. -"Probably," she replied; "and if she carved the veal I have no doubt -she gave him the best helping." - -Tony stood back and surveyed her affectionately. "Do you know what -an Enterprise is, Aunt Fanny?" he asked. "An Enterprise with a large -capital E at the beginning?" - -Lady Jocelyn looked up at him with an air of mild surprise. - -"I believe it is a thing that people prosecute," she replied. "Why -do you ask?" - -"I am engaged on one," said Tony. "I can't tell you what it is -to-day, because I have got to go in three minutes, and I always -stammer if I try to talk quickly. Besides it's too interesting to -hurry over." - -"My dear Tony," said Lady Jocelyn; "you fill me with curiosity. If -you don't come round again soon and tell me all about it I shall -never forgive you." - -"I shall come," said Tony. "I fancy it's going to be one of those -enterprises which will absorb a good deal of advice and assistance." - -"You can count on mine," said Lady Jocelyn, "even if I have to -imperil my hitherto unblemished reputation in Chester Square." - -Tony bent down and kissed her cheek. "Dear Aunt Fanny," he said. "I -should certainly propose to you if it wasn't forbidden in the -prayer-book." - -Lady Jocelyn laughed and patted his hand. "I appreciate the -compliment, Tony," she said, "but perhaps it's just as well as it is. -I am getting old, and you would be a very bad preparation for the -next world." She paused. "Remember," she added; "if you don't come -back within three days and tell me all about the Enterprise I shall -put the matter in the hands of the S.P.C.A." - -"What's that?" inquired Tony. - -"The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Aunts," said Lady -Jocelyn. - - -A slight but natural reluctance on the part of the Peugot to leave -such a select neighbourhood, delayed Tony for several minutes outside -the house. At length, however, he managed to persuade the big car to -start, and just baffling a masterly attempt at suicide by a passing -terrier, he set off on his return journey to Hampstead. - -He did not go direct to Mrs. Spalding's, but continued his way -straight up Haverstock Hill and across the Heath to his own house. -Here he got out and handed the car over to the care of Jennings, who -came sauntering down from the garage in his usual sombre fashion. - -"You can put her away, Jennings," he said, brushing the dust from his -sleeve. "If I want anything to-night I shall take a taxi. This -perpetual dashing about in high-powered cars is apt to induce -arrogance." - -Jennings received this statement with an unmoved expression, and -leaving him to carry out his instructions, Tony entered the hall. He -walked across to the stick rack in the corner, where he proceeded to -select a large and particularly heavy Irish blackthorn from the -numerous specimens that it contained. He weighed this thoughtfully -in his hand, and then, apparently satisfied with its possibilities, -he lighted himself a cigar and strolled off down the drive and out -across the Heath in the direction of Mrs. Spalding's house. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -THE BAITED TRAP - -Latimer Lane, which was the name of the secluded little road in which -the Spaldings' house was situated, presented a most restful -appearance as Tony entered it from the upper end. Except for a -solitary cat sunning herself in the gutter, there was no sign of life -throughout its entire length. If any sinister-looking gentlemen were -really lurking in the neighbourhood, they had at least succeeded in -concealing themselves with the most praiseworthy skill. - -With his blackthorn in his hand Tony sauntered peacefully along the -pavement. There was nothing about his appearance to suggest that he -was taking any unusual interest in his surroundings. His whole -demeanour was as free from suspicion as that of the cat herself, who -merely opened one sleepy eye at his approach, and then closed it -again with an air of sun-warmed indifference. - -He turned in at the gate of Mrs. Spalding's house without so much as -a backward glance, and strolling up the garden path, knocked lightly -at the door. It was opened almost immediately by Bugg, whose face -lit up with that same sort of simple-hearted smile that Ney used to -assume at the appearance of Napoleon. - -"It's all right, sir," he whispered exultingly, as soon as the door -was closed again. "'E's still there, an' 'tother bloke too!" - -Tony hung up his hat, and with tender care deposited his blackthorn -on the hall table. - -"That's splendid, Bugg," he said. "Where is Miss Francis?" - -With a jerk of his thumb, Bugg indicated the basement. - -"She's dahn there along o' Mrs. Spalding, sir." - -The words had hardly left his lips, when Isabel, slightly flushed and -looking prettier than ever, emerged from the head of the kitchen -stairs. - -"Oh," she said, "you have just come at the right time. Mrs. Spalding -and I have been making some scones for tea." - -Tony looked at her in admiration. "What wild and unexpected talents -you have, Isabel," he remarked. - -She laughed happily. "I can make very good scones," she said. "That -was one of the extra and private accomplishments that Miss Watson -taught me." She paused. "How soon would you like to have tea?" - -"Do you mind putting it off for a little bit?" said Tony. "I have -got something I want to speak to you about first." He turned to -Bugg. "Go out into the yard behind, Bugg," he said, "and have a nice -careful look at the back wall. I want to know if it's fairly easy to -climb and what there is the other side of it." - -With that invaluable swiftness of action that distinguishes a -successful welter-weight, Bugg wheeled round and shot off on his -errand. Isabel gazed after him for a moment in surprise, and then -turned back to Tony with a slightly bewildered expression. - -"Is there anything the matter?" she asked. - -"Nothing the least serious," said Tony reassuringly. "I am thinking -of entertaining a couple of old friends of ours who are too shy to -call in the usual way." - -A sudden look of understanding flashed into Isabel's face, and taking -a quick step forward she laid her hand lightly on Tony's arm. - -"You mean those men--those two men?" she whispered. "Why--are they -outside? Have they found out where I am?" - -Tony patted her hand. "There's nothing to be frightened about, -Isabel," he said. "At least not for us." - -She drew herself up proudly. "I'm not frightened," she said, "not a -bit. I told you I should never be frightened again as long as I had -you to help me." She took a long breath. "What are you going to -do?" she asked. "Kill them?" - -Tony laughed. "I think we ought to find out first what they want," -he said. "There's a sort of prejudice in this country against -massacring people at sight." - -"I--I forgot we were in England," said Isabel apologetically. "I -have heard father and the others talk so much about killing people, -it doesn't seem nearly as serious to me as it ought to." - -"Never mind," said Tony consolingly. "We all have our weak points." -He leaned over and tipped off the ash of his cigar into the umbrella -stand. "According to Bugg," he added, "our two friends have been -hanging about outside the house ever since Tuesday." - -Isabel opened her eyes. "Since Tuesday!" she repeated. "But why -didn't you tell me?" - -"I didn't want to worry you. I knew you would be quite safe with -Bugg here, so I thought it was better to wait until I had made up my -mind what to do." He paused. "Whoever these two beauties are it's -quite evident that what they're really yearning for is another little -private chat with you. At least it's difficult to see what else they -can be after unless they are going in for a fresh air cure." - -Isabel nodded her head. "It's me all right," she observed with some -conviction. - -"Well, under the circumstances," pursued Tony tranquilly, "I propose -to give them the chance of gratifying their ambition. I always like -to help people gratify their ambition, even if it involves a little -personal trouble and exertion." - -Isabel's amber eyes lit up with an expectant and rather unkind -pleasure. "What are you going to do?" she asked again. - -"It depends to a certain extent on Bugg's report," replied Tony. -"The idea is that he and I should go out by the front gate, work our -way round to the back, and make a quiet and unobtrusive re-entrance -over the garden wall. We should then be on the premises in case any -one took it into their heads to call during our absence." - -Isabel laughed joyously. "That's a lovely idea," she exclaimed. "I -do hope----" - -She was interrupted by the sudden reappearance of Bugg, who came -rapidly up the staircase in the same noiseless and unexpected fashion -that he had departed in. - -"Well?" said Tony, throwing away the stump of his cigar. - -"There ain't nothin' wrong abaht the wall, sir," replied Bugg -cheerfully. "One can 'op over that as easy as sneezin'." - -"What is there the other side of it?" asked Tony. - -"It gives on to the back garden of the 'Ollies--that big empty 'ouse -in 'Eath Street." - -"How very obliging of it," said Tony contentedly. He turned to -Isabel. "It's no good wasting time, is it?" he added. "I think I -had better go straight down and tell Mrs. Spalding what we propose to -do. She ought to know something about it, just in case we have to -slaughter any one on her best carpet." - -Isabel looked a little doubtful. "I hope she won't mind," she said. - -"I don't think she will," replied Tony. "I have always found her -most reasonable about trifles." He turned back to Bugg. "Better -find a bag or something to take with you when you go out," he added. -"I want you to look as if you were on your way back to Goodman's -Rest." - -Bugg saluted, and making his way downstairs, Tony tapped gently at -what appeared to be the kitchen door. It was opened by Mrs. Spalding -who at the sight of her visitor showed distinct traces of surprise -and concern. - -"Why ever didn't you ring, Sir Antony?" she inquired almost -reproachfully. - -"It's all right, Mrs. Spalding," he replied in his cheerful fashion. -"I came down purposely because I want to have a little private talk -with you." He moved aside a plate, and before she could protest -seated himself on the corner of the table. "You remember what I told -you a couple of days ago about the house being watched?" - -"Indeed yes, sir," said Mrs. Spalding. "They are still hanging about -the place according to what Bugg says. I am sure I don't know what -the police can be up to allowing a thing like that to go on in a -respectable neighbourhood." - -"It's scandalous," agreed Tony warmly. "As far as I can see the only -thing to do is to take the matter into our hands. The men are -probably a couple of ruffians employed to watch the place by Miss -Francis' guardian." - -Mrs. Spalding nodded her head. "I shouldn't be a bit surprised, sir. -Them foreigners are up to anything." - -"It must be put a stop to," said Tony firmly. "Of course I could -insist upon the police taking it up, but I think on the whole it -would be better if we tackled the matter ourselves. One doesn't want -the half-penny papers to get hold of it, or anything of that sort." - -"Certainly not, sir," said Mrs. Spalding in a shocked voice. "It -would never do for a gentleman in your position." - -"Well, I have thought of a plan," began Tony, "but the fact is--" he -paused artistically--"well, the fact is, Mrs. Spalding, I should -hardly like to trouble you any further after the extremely kind way -in which you have already helped us." - -The good woman was visibly affected. "You mustn't think of that, Sir -Antony," she protested. "I am sure it's a real pleasure to do -anything I can for you and the young lady--such a nice sweet-spoken -young lady she is too." - -"Well, of course, if you really feel like that about it," observed -Tony; and without wasting efforts on any further diplomacy, he -proceeded to sketch out the plan of campaign that he had already -described to Isabel. - -"It's quite simple, you see," he finished. "We pop back over the -garden wall and through the kitchen window, and there we are. Then -if these scoundrels do turn up and ask for Miss Francis, you have -only got to let them in and leave the rest to us. I don't think they -will bother us much more--not after I've finished with them." - -For a respectable woman, who had hitherto led a peaceful and -law-abiding life, Mrs. Spalding received the scheme with surprising -calmness. - -"You will be careful about the climbing the wall, won't you, sir?" -she observed. "It's that old, there's no knowing whether it will -bear a gentleman of your weight." - -"Oh, that's all right, Mrs. Spalding," said Tony reassuringly. "I -shall allow Bugg to go first." - -He got down off the table, and after once more expressing his thanks, -made his way upstairs again into the hall. - -He found Isabel standing at the door of the sitting-room just as he -had left her. - -"Well?" she asked eagerly. - -"There are no difficulties," said Tony. "Mrs. Spalding is all for a -forward policy." - -As he spoke there was a sound of footsteps above them, and Bugg -descended the staircase carrying a small bag in one hand and his cap -in the other. - -"I think we may as well make a start," continued Tony. "Don't hurry -yourself, 'Tiger.' Just paddle along comfortably, and whatever you -do keep your eyes off the opposite side of the road. You can either -take the bag back to Goodman's Rest, or else leave it in the bar at -the Castle. Anyhow meet me in a quarter of an hour's time in the -back garden of the Hollies." - -Bugg nodded his head. "I'll be there, Sir Ant'ny," he replied grimly. - -Tony pushed open the door of the sitting-room. "We had better wait -in here, Isabel," he said. "We mustn't be seen conspiring together -in the hall when Bugg goes out, or it might put the enemy on his -guard." - -A few seconds later the peace of Latimer Lane was suddenly disturbed -by the banging of Mrs. Spalding's front door. Whistling a bright -little music hall ditty to himself, Bugg came marching down the -garden path and passed out through the gate into the roadway. He -paused for a moment to extract and light himself a Woodbine -cigarette, and then, without looking back at the house, set off at a -leisurely pace in the direction of the Heath. - -For ten minutes a deep unbroken hush brooded over the neighbourhood. -If there were any human beings about they still remained silent and -invisible, while the solitary cat, who had glanced up resentfully as -Bugg passed, gradually resumed her former attitude of somnolent -repose. - -Then once more the door of number sixteen opened, and Tony and Isabel -made their appearance. The latter was wearing no hat, and her -red-gold hair gleamed in the sunshine, like copper in the firelight. -They strolled down together as far as the gate, where they remained -for a few moments laughing and chatting. Then, with a final and -fairly audible observation to the effect that he would be back about -six, Tony took his departure. He went off to the left, in the -opposite direction from that patronized by Bugg. - -Turning lightly round Isabel sauntered back up the garden. The front -door closed behind her, and once again peace--the well ordered peace -of a superior London suburb, descended upon Latimer Lane. - -* * * * * * * - -At the back of the house Mrs. Spalding was standing at the kitchen -window, which she had pushed up to its fullest extent. Her eyes were -fixed anxiously upon the summit of the wall which divided her -miniature back yard from the adjoining property. It was a venerable -wall, of early Victorian origin, about twelve feet in height, and -thickly covered with a mat of ivy. - -At last, from the other side came a faint rustle, followed almost -immediately by the unmistakable scrape and scuffle of somebody -attempting an ascent. Then a hand and arm appeared over the top, and -a moment later Bugg had hoisted himself into view, and was sitting -astride the parapet. He paused for an instant to whisper back some -hoarse but inaudible remark, and then catching hold of the ivy swung -himself neatly and rapidly to the ground. - -There was another and rather louder scuffle, and Tony followed suit. -He came down into the yard even quicker than Bugg--his descent being -somewhat accelerated by the behaviour of a branch of ivy, which -detached itself from the wall, just as he had got his full weight on -it. - -"Yer ain't 'urt yerself, 'ave ye, sir?" inquired the faithful "Tiger" -with some anxiety. - -Tony shook his head, and discarded the handful of foliage that he was -still clutching. - -"One should never trust entirely to Nature, Bugg," he observed. "She -invariably lets one down." - -He stopped to flick off the dust and cobwebs from the knees of his -trousers, and then leading the way across the yard to the kitchen -window, he scrambled in over the sill. - -"I am afraid I have thinned out your ivy a bit, Mrs. Spalding," he -remarked regretfully. - -"It doesn't matter the least about that, sir," replied Mrs. Spalding, -"so long as you haven't gone and shook yourself up." - -"I don't think I have," said Tony. "I feel extraordinarily well -except for a slight craving for tea." He paused. "No sign of the -enemy yet, I suppose?" - -Mrs. Spalding shook her head. "It's all been quite quiet so far, Sir -Antony." - -"Well, I think we had better go upstairs and arrange our plans," he -observed. "We may have plenty of time, but it's just as well to be -on the safe side. There's a strain of impetuosity in the foreign -blood that one has to look out for." - -He moved towards the door; and followed by Mrs. Spalding and -Bugg--the latter of whom had climbed in through the window after -him--he mounted the flight of stone stairs that led up into the hall. - -"I suppose Miss Francis is in her bedroom?" he said turning to Mrs. -Spalding. - -She nodded her head. "Yes, Sir Antony. She went up directly she -came back into the house." - -He took a step forward and stood for a moment contemplating the scene -with the thoughtful air of a general surveying the site of a future -battle. - -"I think your place, Bugg," he said, "will be half-way up the -staircase, just out of sight of the front door. I shall wait in the -sitting-room, and Mrs. Spalding will be downstairs in the kitchen." -He paused. "What will happen is this. When the bell rings Mrs. -Spalding will come up and open the door. Directly she does, our -friends will probably force their way into the hall and ask to see -Miss Francis. They will know she is upstairs, because as a matter of -fact she is sitting in the window reading a book." - -"Am I to let them through, sir?" inquired Mrs. Spalding. - -"Not without a protest," said Tony; "but I expect as a matter of fact -they will simply push past you. People like that have very bad -manners, especially when they are pressed for time. In that case all -you have got to do will be to fall back to the kitchen stairs and -leave the rest to us." - -Bugg sighed happily. "An' then I s'pose I comes dahn and we shoves -it across 'em, sir?" he inquired. - -"That's the idea," said Tony, "but there's no need to be rough or -unkind about it. All I want to do is to get them into the -sitting-room in a sufficiently chastened frame of mind to answer a -few civil questions. It oughtn't to be difficult unless they have -got revolvers." - -"Revolvers!" repeated Mrs. Spalding in some distress. "Oh, dear, -dear! You will be careful, won't you, Sir Antony?" - -"I shall," said Tony: "extremely careful." - -He walked to the hall table and picked up the blackthorn that he had -left lying there. "I don't think I shall want this," he remarked, -"but perhaps----" - -He broke off abruptly, as a faint sound from outside suddenly reached -his ear. - -"Listen!" he said softly. "What's that?" - -There was a moment's pause, and then quite clearly came the -unmistakable click of the front gate. - -Swiftly and quietly Tony stepped back to the sitting-room door. - -"Here they are!" he announced with a cheerful smile. "Take it -coolly: there's heaps of time." - -Considering the abrupt nature of the crisis, it must be admitted that -both Mrs. Spalding and Bugg rose to the occasion in the most -creditable fashion. In three strides the latter had disappeared up -the staircase, while if Mrs. Spalding was a shade less precipitous, -it was only because she was not so well fitted by nature for sudden -and violent transitions. - -Tony waited until they were both out of sight, and then with a final -glance round the hall he stepped back into the sitting-room. He -closed the door after him until only the faintest crack was visible -from outside, and having placed his blackthorn carefully in the -corner, he stood there in easy readiness, his hand resting lightly on -the door knob. - -For perhaps thirty seconds the steady ticking of the hall clock alone -broke the silence. Then the sound of a slight movement became -suddenly audible outside the house, and a moment later the sharp -_tang, tang_ of a bell went jangling through the basement. With a -contented smile Tony began to button up his coat. - -He heard Mrs. Spalding mount the stairs and pass along the hall -passage outside. There was the sharp snap of a bolt being pushed -back, and then almost simultaneously came a sudden scuffle of -footsteps, and the loud bang of an abruptly closed door. - -"Pardon, Madame," said a voice. "We do not wish to alarm you, but it -is necessary that we speak with the young lady upstairs." - -For a complete amateur in private theatricals, Mrs. Spalding played -her part admirably. - -"You will do nothing of the kind," she replied with every symptom of -surprised indignation. "Who are you? How dare you force your way -into a private house like this?" - -"You will pardon us, Madame," repeated the voice, "but I fear we must -insist. We mean no harm to the young lady: on the contrary we are -her best--her truest friends." - -Mrs. Spalding sniffed audibly. "That's as it may be," she retorted. -"Anyhow, you don't set a foot on my staircase; and what's more, if -you don't leave the house immediately I shall send for the police." - -There was a brief whispered consultation in what sounded like a -foreign language, and then the same voice spoke again. - -"We dislike to use force, Madame; but since you leave us no -choice----" - -Once more came the quick shuffle of steps, followed in this case by -the crash of an overturning chair, and then with a swift jerk Tony -flung open the door, and strode blithely out into the hall. He took -in the situation at a glance. True to her instructions Mrs. Spalding -had retreated to the head of the kitchen banisters, where one of the -intruders had followed as though to cut her off from further -interference. The other was bounding gaily up the staircase, -apparently under the happy impression that the road was now clear -before him. - -Tony just had time to see that the man in the hall was the shorter of -the two, when with an exclamation of anger and alarm that gentleman -spun round to meet him. As he turned his right hand travelled -swiftly back towards his hip pocket, but the action though well -intended was too late to be effective. With one tiger-like spring -Tony had crossed the intervening distance, and clutching him -affectionately round the waist, had pinned his arms to his sides. - -"No shooting, Harold," he said. "You might break the pictures." - -As he spoke the whole staircase was suddenly shaken by a crash -upstairs, followed by the heavy thud of a falling body. Then, almost -simultaneously, the head of "Tiger" Bugg protruded itself over the -banisters. - -"All right below, sir?" it inquired with some anxiety. - -Tony looked up. "If you have quite finished, you might come down and -take away this revolver," he replied tranquilly. - -That Bugg had finished was evident from the immediate nature of his -response. He leaped down the stairs with the activity of a chamois, -and darting in behind Tony's struggling captive, fished out a wicked -looking Mauser pistol from that gentleman's hip pocket. - -"'Ere we are, sir," he announced cheerfully. "Loaded up proper too -from the look of it." - -Tony released his grip, and the owner of the weapon staggered back -against the wall gasping like a newly landed fish. - -"Give it to me," said Tony holding out his hand, and as Bugg -complied, he added in that pleasantly lazy way of his: "If you -haven't corpsed the gentleman upstairs, go and bring him down into -the sitting-room." Then, turning to his own late adversary, he -observed hospitably: "Perhaps you wouldn't mind joining us, sir. I -am sure we shall all enjoy a little chat." - -The stranger, who was gradually beginning to recover from Tony's -bear-like hug, scowled horribly. He was not a prepossessing looking -person, for in addition to a cast in his left eye, his swarthy and -truculent face was further disfigured by the scar of an old sword -cut, which seemed to have just failed in a laudable effort to slice -off the greater part of his jaw. All the same there was a certain -air of force and authority about him, which redeemed him from -absolute ruffianism. - -Beyond the scowl, however, he made no further protest, but followed -by Tony and the Mauser, marched along into the sitting-room, where he -folded his arms and took up a defiant posture on the hearth-rug. - -There was a sound of banging and bumping from the staircase, and a -moment later Bugg entered through the doorway, half carrying and half -pushing the semi-conscious figure of the other invader. - -"I 'it 'im a bit 'arder than I meant to, sir," he explained -apologetically to Tony; "but 'e's comin' rahnd now nice an' pretty." - -He deposited the convalescent carefully in the easy-chair, and then -stepped back as though waiting further instructions. - -It was the cross-eyed gentleman, however, who broke the silence. - -"In my country," he observed thickly, "you would die for this--both -of you." - -Tony smiled at him indulgently. "I am sure we should," he said; "but -that's the best of Hampstead; it's so devilish healthy." He paused. -"Won't you sit down and make yourself comfortable?" he added. - -There was something so unexpected either about the request or else -the manner of it, that for a moment the visitor seemed at a loss what -to do. At length, however, he seated himself on the edge of the -sofa, still glowering savagely at Tony with his working eye. - -It was at this point that his friend in the chair began to emerge -into something like intelligent interest in the proceedings. After -blinking vaguely and shaking his head once or twice, he suddenly -raised himself in his seat, and looked round him with a slightly -bewildered air. His gaze finally came to rest on the barrel of the -Mauser pistol which happened at the moment to be pointing in his -direction. - -[Illustration: His gaze finally came to rest on the barrel of the -Mauser pistol. "Feeling better?" inquired Tony kindly. An obvious -train of recollection flashed across the stranger's face. "I -remember now," he muttered. "Something struck me--something on the -stairs."] - -"Feeling better?" inquired Tony kindly. - -An obvious train of recollection flashed across the stranger's face, -and with an instinctive movement he raised his hand to his jaw. - -"I remember now," he muttered. "Something struck me. Something on -the stairs." - -"That's right," said Tony encouragingly. "It was Bugg's fist. Very -few people can take a punch in the jaw from Bugg and remember the -exact details." - -The stranger looked at Tony with some curiosity. He had a more -refined and intelligent face than his companion, while from the few -words he had spoken his foreign accent appeared to be less pronounced. - -"I presume," he said, "that I am addressing Sir Antony Conway?" - -Tony nodded. "You at least have the advantage of knowing whom you're -talking to." - -There was a moment's pause, and then the man on the sofa laughed -aggressively. - -"It is an advantage that you possibly share with us," he growled. - -Tony turned on him. "Except for the fact that you appear to belong -to the criminal classes," he said, "I haven't the foggiest notion who -either of you are." - -With what sounded distressingly like an oath the cross-eyed gentleman -scrambled to his feet, but a slight change in the direction of the -Mauser pulled him up abruptly. - -It was his friend who relieved the somewhat strained situation. - -"You forget, Colonel," he said suavely. "If Sir Antony Conway is not -aware who we are, our conduct must certainly appear to be a trifle -peculiar." He turned back to Tony. "If you would grant us the -privilege of a few moments' private conversation I fancy we might -come to a better understanding. It is possible that we are -rather--how do you say--at cross purposes." - -"I shouldn't wonder," replied Tony cheerfully. "Do you mind going -out into the hall for a minute, Bugg? I am sorry to leave you out of -it, but one must respect the wishes of one's guests." - -It was the first occasion on which Bugg had ever received an order -from Tony that he had hesitated over the immediate fulfilment. - -"It ain't as I want to 'ear wot they says, sir," he explained -apologetically. "It's leavin' you alone with the blighters I don't -like." - -"I shan't be alone, 'Tiger,'" said Tony. "I shall have this -excellent little Mauser pistol to keep me company." - -Bugg walked reluctantly to the door. "I'll only be just in the 'all -if you want me," he observed. "You'll watch aht for any dirty work, -won't ye, sir?" - -"I shall," said Tony: "most intently." - -He waited until the door had closed, and then seated himself on the -corner of the table, with the Mauser dangling between his knees. - -"Well, gentlemen?" he observed encouragingly. - -"Sir Antony Conway," said the taller of the two. "Will you permit me -to ask you a perfectly frank question? Are you aware of the identity -of this young lady, in whose behalf you seem to have interested -yourself?" - -"Of course I am," said Tony. - -"And may we take it that in coming as you thought to her assistance -you acted from--" he paused--"from entirely private motives?" He -waited for the answer with an eagerness that was plainly visible. - -Tony nodded. "I never act from anything else," he remarked. - -The tall man turned to his companion. "It is as I suggested, -Colonel," he observed, with an air of quiet triumph. - -The other still glared suspiciously at Tony. "Have a care," he -muttered. "Who knows that he is speaking the truth." - -The tall man made a gesture of impatience. "You do not understand -the English nobility, Colonel." He turned back to Tony. "Permit us -to introduce ourselves. This is Colonel Saltero of the Livadian -army. My name is Congosta--Señor Eduardo Congosta. It is a name not -unknown among Livadian Loyalists." - -Tony bowed bravely to the pair of them. "I am delighted to meet you -both," he said. "I can't profess any great admiration for your -distinguished monarch, but perhaps I don't know his finer qualities." - -"Our distinguished monarch," repeated the Colonel darkly. "Of whom -do you speak, Sir Antony?" - -Tony raised his eyebrows. "Why--Peter of course," he said. "Pedro, -I should say. Have you more than one of them?" - -Colonel Saltero, who was still upon his feet, scowled more savagely -than ever. "That miserable impostor," he exclaimed. "I----" - -"You misunderstand us, sir," put in the smoother voice of Señor -Congosta. "The person you refer to has no legitimate claim to the -throne of Livadia. Like all true Loyalists we are followers of his -late Majesty King Francisco the First." - -It was a startling announcement, but Tony's natural composure stood -him in good stead. - -"Really!" he said slowly. "How extremely interesting! I thought you -had all been exterminated." - -Señor Congosta smiled. "You will pardon my saying so, Sir Antony, -but an accurate knowledge of Continental affairs is not one of your -great nation's strong points." He paused. "Our party is more -powerful now than at any time during the last fifteen years." - -"But how about the government?" said Tony. "Surely they don't look -on you any more affectionately than on Pedro and his little lot?" - -"The government!" Señor Congosta repeated the words with the utmost -scorn. "I will be frank with you, Sir Antony. The Republican -government is doomed. Too long has that collection of traitors -battened on my unfortunate country. It needs but one spark to kindle -the flame, and--" With a sweep of his arm he indicated the painful -and abrupt fate that was awaiting the President of Livadia and his -advisers. - -"I see," said Tony slowly. "Then your somewhat original method of -calling is connected with State affairs?" - -Señor Congosta spread out his hands. "There is no point in further -concealment," he observed. "I think you will agree with me, Colonel -Saltero, that we had better tell this gentleman the entire truth." - -That Colonel grunted doubtfully, as though telling the entire truth -were not a habit that he was accustomed to approve of, but the reply, -such as it was, seemed good enough for his companion. - -"For some time past," he said, "the Loyalists of Livadia have only -been waiting their opportunity. The Republic is rotten--rotten to -the core. It must soon fall like a bad fruit, and then--" he -paused--"then will come the chance for which we are ready." - -"And for which," added Tony, "the Marquis da Freitas is also -eminently ready." - -Congosta's eyes gleamed. "So!" he said softly. "You know him?" - -"Not intimately," said Tony: "just well enough to know that he is -likely to be around when the prizes are given out." - -Congosta nodded his head. A malevolent expression had crept into his -face that made him look almost as sinister as the Colonel. - -"It is with Da Freitas," he said slowly, "that we have to settle. -With Da Freitas and one other. Until a month ago everything had been -arranged for. We knew that here in England the usurper was plotting -and planning for his restoration. We knew that he had many friends -in the army and navy--that any moment the revolution might break out. -But we were prepared. The very moment trouble came we intended to -strike--and strike hard." - -He stopped. - -"What were you going to do?" asked Tony with interest. - -"We should have seized the Palace before Da Freitas' hirelings and -traitors were ready, and proclaimed Francisco's daughter as the -rightful heir to the throne." - -There was another pause. - -"It was a good idea," said Tony; "but I gather there has been a -slight hitch somewhere." - -"We were betrayed," said Congosta sullenly. "We made the mistake of -trusting to a coward and a fool. It is the price that one always -pays for such mistakes." - -"Who was the gentleman?" asked Tony innocently. - -"It was the King's brother-in-law--the Count de Sé. He was left -guardian to the Princess Isabella under his late Majesty's will. All -along he has pretended to work with us; and then, a month ago, he -came secretly to England and betrayed the whole of our purpose to Da -Freitas." - -There was a sulphurous snort from Colonel Saltero, as though the mere -mention of the incident were altogether too much for his feelings. - -"We should be thankful," went on Congosta bitterly, "that the -Princess is still alive. Da Freitas is not particular when his own -interests are at stake. Had it suited him--" he made an expressive -gesture with his hands. "As it is he seems to have thought the -Count's plan equally effective--and perhaps healthier for himself. -Why should not Pedro marry the Princess? Then when the revolution -came there would only be one claimant to the throne of Livadia, and -all our plans would be flung to the ground." - -"It seems to me," said Tony thoughtfully, "that the Count de Sé is -what we call a dirty dog in this country. All the same I don't quite -see what he was driving at. Surely it would have suited his book -better for Isabella to be queen in her own right." - -"He was afraid," said Congosta scornfully. "He is a coward, and he -was afraid there would be fighting, and perhaps failure. He has no -heart for such things. It seemed to him better to live under the -shelter of Da Freitas." - -"He will not live long," growled the Colonel ominously. - -"As soon as we learned what had happened," continued Congosta, "we -had a council at Portriga, and it was decided that the Colonel and I -should come to England. We have friends and agents here and it was -not difficult to find out where the Count was living. I took a room -at Richmond, and for a week I watched and waited in the hope of -speaking with the Princess. I was convinced that she knew nothing of -what was happening in Livadia--that she probably believed her -father's friends were dead or powerless. The first day I discovered -she was there, but as for speaking with her--" he shrugged his -shoulders--"there was an old hag of a French woman who never left -her--who watched her like a cat. Then at last came the evening when -she left the house--alone. At first I was on my guard; I feared that -Da Freitas might have learned I was in Richmond; that he was using -this means to draw me into a trap. It was only when she got to the -station and hid in the waiting-room that I began to suspect she was -running away. I did not speak with her then; I did not wish to alarm -her. I knew she was going to Waterloo, because I had listened when -she asked for her ticket. So while I waited I sent off a telegram to -Saltero to meet me there, and I too came up to London in the same -train." - -He paused again, half out of breath from the rapidity with which he -had been speaking. - -"I think I have a good working idea of the rest of the story," said -Tony. He slipped off the table and stood up facing his two -prisoners. "I owe you an apology," he added, "both of you. I am -afraid that in our anxiety to assist the Princess, Bugg and I have -been rather unnecessarily strenuous." - -Congosta rose to his feet and bowed gravely. "Sir Antony Conway," he -said. "You behaved as I should expect an English nobleman to behave -under the circumstances. Neither Colonel Saltero nor myself bear you -any ill will for the slight inconvenience we have suffered." - -The Colonel, who seemed to be a man of less expansive habit, grunted -again, but Tony did not allow this apparent lack of enthusiasm to -damp the graciousness of Congosta's speech. - -"Gentlemen," he said, "you have been frank with me, and I will be -equally frank with you. When I came to the assistance of Princess -Isabella, I had not the remotest notion who she was. I acted on the -impulse of the moment, as I suppose any one else would have acted. -Out of gratitude for this very slight service, the Princess was good -enough to take me into her confidence. When I found that she was -being forced into a marriage for which she had the strongest possible -dislike, I naturally determined to put a stop to it. I have my own -reasons for not regarding Pedro as a suitable husband for her, apart -altogether from the fact that she hates the sight of him. If it will -relieve your minds in any way I can assure you that she will be quite -safe from him as long as she will do me the honour of accepting my -assistance." - -It was the Colonel's turn to answer. "That is well," he said. "We -are obliged to you for what you have done, but the affair cannot -remain so. We must speak with the Princess. She must be informed of -the high destiny that awaits her." - -"That is a point," said Tony politely, "on which I am not quite in -agreement with you, Colonel. The Princess has placed herself under -my guardianship and I should be neglecting my duty if I encouraged -her to mix herself up with an attempted revolution. I consider it a -very unhealthy profession for a girl of her age." - -The Colonel glared at him. "Sir!" he stammered. "Do you dare to -thrust yourself in between the throne of Livadia and its Divinely -appointed occupant?" - -"Oh, no," said Tony cheerfully; "I don't go as far as that. When you -have managed to make the throne vacant, I shall be very pleased to -advise the Princess to step into it. Until then she is much happier -and safer in Hampstead." - -"I am inclined to think that Sir Antony Conway may be right, -Colonel," broke in the voice of Señor Congosta. "The Princess's -welfare must be our first consideration. To take her to Livadia at -present is out of the question, and I don't know any place where she -would be safer from Da Freitas than in this house. We have had -personal proof of the excellence of Sir Antony's arrangements. As -for her being identified in any way with our plans--" he -paused--"well, the Republican government has been recognized by -England, and it would be madness on our part to give them any -avoidable cause for complaint." - -There was still a doubtful frown upon the Colonel's brow. - -"I do not approve of the situation," he said stiffly. "It is not -fitting that the future Queen of Livadia should be living in this -house--unchaperoned and unprotected." - -With a solemn face Tony drew himself up to his full height. - -"Sir!" he said. "You forget that you are addressing a member of the -English nobility." - -The magnificence of the retort seemed to have a temporarily -paralysing effect upon the Colonel, and before he could recover Señor -Congosta, who was evidently the directing brain of the two, had taken -the matter into his own hands. - -"It is well spoken," he said with another low bow. "Sir Antony -Conway--on behalf of my country, permit me to express the confidence -and gratitude with which we accept your assistance." - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -MOLLY BECOMES AN ALLY - -Guy sat in his chair, and for a moment surveyed the admirably kept -garden of Goodman's Rest with a thoughtful frown. Then his gaze -travelled back to Tony and Isabel. - -"We are in an extraordinary situation," he observed slowly. - -It was just at half-past ten in the morning, and they were all of -them sitting on the lawn at the back of the house, in a pleasant -blaze of spring sunshine which streamed down out of a cloudless blue -sky. Tony, who was smoking a cigar, had just finished giving his -cousin a full and spirited description of his interview with Congosta -and Saltero, for by the time he had returned to the house on the -previous evening, Guy, who had been suffering from a slight headache, -had already gone to bed. - -"I don't see anything so very extraordinary about it," said Tony -placidly. "Everybody seems to me to be behaving in a most natural -and reasonable manner. In fact I am just a bit disappointed. I -always thought that people who went in for revolutions and that kind -of thing were much more mysterious and exciting." - -"Well, I don't know what you want!" retorted Guy. "You appear to -have got both the Royalists and the Franciscans on your track, and as -far as sticking at trifles goes, I shouldn't imagine there was much -to choose between any of the parties in Livadia." - -"You must remember that you are speaking of Isabel's native land," -protested Tony reprovingly. - -"Oh, he can say what he likes about Livadia," said Isabel. "It's all -true." - -"And anyhow," went on Guy, "if we mean to get out of this business -safely and successfully we must look at things exactly as they are -and not as they ought to be. As far as I can see the whole affair is -more like a cheap melodrama than anything else, but that doesn't mean -there isn't a very real danger for people who choose to mix -themselves up in it." He paused. "What was your final understanding -with these--these people?" - -"Oh, we parted the best of friends," said Tony cheerfully. "At least -Congosta and I did. The Colonel was a little bit stuffy at not being -allowed to see Isabel, but I put that down to his military training. -A good soldier never likes to be baulked in his object." - -"Yes, yes; but what are they going to do?" persisted Guy. "You must -have come to some sort of an arrangement." - -"We came to a very good arrangement," said Tony. "I am to continue -looking after Isabel and keeping her away from the fascinations of -Peter, while they go on with the job of getting the throne ready for -her. The Colonel is on his way back to Livadia already." - -"And what about the other man--Congosta?" - -"Congosta is staying on in England for the present. I have got his -address at Richmond. He says it's necessary that someone should be -here in order to keep an eye on Peter and Da Freitas. I don't -suppose he altogether trusts me either." - -"I daresay he doesn't," observed Guy drily. - -"He probably agreed to the arrangement because he hadn't any -immediate choice in the matter. I shouldn't imagine that we could -depend on him in the least." - -"I don't know," said Tony. "He seems to have a great faith in the -virtue and nobility of the English aristocracy. I think he must be a -reader of Charles Garvice." - -"Have you made any plans yourself?" asked Guy. - -Tony took a thoughtful pull at his cigar. "Well, I have got one or -two ideas that I was talking over with Isabel last night. In the -first place I think I shall tell Aunt Fanny all about it. It's just -the sort of thing that would appeal to her thoroughly; and then she -would be an excellent chaperone if we happened to want one." - -Guy pondered over the suggestion for a moment. "I think you are -right," he admitted half reluctantly. "We certainly ought to have -someone for--for Isabel's sake," (it was the first time he had -dropped the more formal Miss Francis) "and I suppose Aunt Fanny is -the only possible person. All the same the fewer people who know -anything about it the better." - -"I don't propose to tell any one else," said Tony, "except Molly. -Oh, it's all right," he added, as Guy directed an embarrassed glance -towards their companion; "I told Isabel all about Molly last night. -She has survived the shock splendidly." - -"I am not a child, Cousin Guy," said Isabel with dignity. - -"But is it necessary to bring this--this young woman in?" objected -Guy. - -"Of course it is," said Tony, "and I wish you wouldn't refer to her -in that dreadful way. It sounds as if she wore black cotton gloves. -Molly's our Chief Intelligence Department. It's only through her -that we can get any idea of what's going on at Richmond, and apart -from that she is the best friend we could possibly have. She regards -Peter as her private property--a poor thing, but her own--and she -doesn't mean to lose him without a good scrap. She's got grit and -nerve, Molly has; otherwise she wouldn't be playing lead at the -Gaiety." - -"Very well," said Guy resignedly. "I suppose that if one goes in for -this sort of thing one must get help where one can. When do you -propose to see her?" - -"Now," said Tony; "if she's out of bed. I am going to motor down -there right away." He got up from his chair. "You will be careful -while I am away, won't you, Isabel?" he added. "Bugg is on duty all -right, but I think it would be safer for you to stop in the garden -unless you want to go back to the house. One doesn't know what Da -Freitas may be up to." - -"Isabel will be quite safe," said Guy with some spirit. "I will -remain with her myself if she will allow me to." - -"That will be very nice," said Isabel graciously. - -Tony tossed away the stump of his cigar. "I believe that Guy will -end by being the most reckless adventurer of the lot of us," he said -gravely. "It's generally the way when people take up a fresh hobby -late in life." - -Isabel gave one of her little rippling laughs, and before Guy could -think of an adequate retort, Tony had sauntered off up the path in -the direction of the garage. - -Amongst the hobbies of Miss Molly Monk that of early rising--as Tony -knew--occupied a comparatively modest place, and he was accordingly -not surprised on reaching her flat to learn from Claudine, the French -maid, that her mistress was still in bed. - -"Is she awake?" he inquired. - -"_Mais oui, M'sieur_," replied Claudine. "She 'ave 'er morning -chocolate. I just take it in to 'er." - -"Well, will you go and give her my love," said Tony, "and tell her I -should like to see her as soon as it could be happily managed." - -Claudine conducted Tony to the little drawing-room, and then tripped -demurely away down the passage to deliver her message. She was not -absent for long, as thirty seconds could hardly have elapsed before -she re-entered the apartment. - -"If M'sieur will follow me," she announced. "Madem'selle will -receive him." - -She led the way to Molly's bedroom, and pushing open the door which -was already ajar, ushered Tony into a charming atmosphere of cream -walls, apple green hangings, and a huge brass bedstead. - -In the bedstead was Molly. She was sitting up against a little -mountain of white pillows, with a Japanese kimona thrown lightly -round her gossamer nightdress, and her red hair streaming loose over -her shoulders. She was sipping chocolate, and looked very cool and -attractive. - -"Hello, Tony," she said. "I hope you don't mind being received in -this shameless fashion. It's your own fault you know for coming so -early." - -She extended a slim white hand and wrist, and Tony having implanted a -kiss on the latter, seated himself comfortably on the end of the bed. - -"I am not seriously annoyed, Molly," he replied. "I find that my -naturally Calvinistic principles are becoming broader as I get -older." He looked at her with an approving glance. "Besides," he -went on, "at one time it was all the fashion to receive distinguished -visitors in bed. Madame du Barry--a very highly connected French -lady--made a hobby of it." - -"Did she--the saucy puss!" said Molly. She pushed across a tortoise -shell cigarette case that was lying on the silk coverlet in front of -her. "You can light up if you like," she added. "I am going to have -one myself in a minute." - -Tony took advantage of her permission, and leaning back against the -brass rail blew out a little spiral of grey smoke. - -"I came at this indelicate hour," he observed, "because I promised I -would look round directly I had anything to tell you." - -Molly sat up in bed. "Oh," she exclaimed eagerly, "have you heard -from that friend of yours--the one in Portriga?" - -Tony shook his head. "Not yet; there hasn't been time." He paused. -"I don't know that it's altogether necessary to go to Portriga for -news though. One seems to be able to pick up a certain amount of -Livadian gossip in London." - -Molly put down her cup of chocolate on the tray beside her. "Tony," -she said, "what have you heard?" - -"It's a long and poignant story," said Tony. "Are you in any hurry -to get up?" - -"Do I look like it?" She reached across the bed for the cigarette -case. "Wait a moment till I've got a light; then I shan't interrupt -you." - -She struck a match, and drawing in a mouthful of smoke, leaned back -against the pillows. - -"That's better," she observed contentedly. "Now fire ahead." - -The art of telling a long story well is a regrettably rare one, -especially amongst people who are chiefly addicted to the habit. -Tony, however, undoubtedly possessed it to a certain extent, and in -the present case he enjoyed the additional advantage of having -already practised upon Guy. Starting from his meeting with Isabel in -Long Acre, he recounted in that pleasantly unhurried fashion of his -the whole of the spirited events which had led up to his present -visit. He concealed nothing--not even his deception of Isabel in -connection with the pawning of her brooch, for if Molly was to be -accepted as an active ally, it was obviously necessary that there -should be no half measures about the matter. Besides, Tony, who -preferred his own judgment to any one else's, considered Molly to be -one of the most trustworthy people he had ever met. - -She was at all events an irreproachable listener. Lying back against -the pillows, her hands clasped behind her head, she followed his -narrative with an absorbed interest that showed itself plainly in her -eyes. She made no attempt to interrupt him or to ask -questions--indeed with the exception of occasionally knocking off the -ash of her cigarette into the breakfast tray, she remained as -motionless and silent as a Kirchner picture. - -"And that," observed Tony in conclusion, "is as far as we've got to -at present. At least it's all I know for certain. Of course I may -get back to find that Guy and Isabel have been murdered in the -garden." He rose from the bed, and crossing to the fireplace tossed -away the stump of his cigarette, which he had allowed to go out. -"Well, what do you say, Molly?" he added cheerfully. "Are you -prepared to come in with us, and do your bit in saving Peter from -bigamy?" - -Molly sat up in bed, her blue eyes gleaming with a brisk and -businesslike determination. - -"I should think I was," she observed crisply. "If any one imagines -I've taken all the trouble of training and educating Peter for -nothing, they're making a fat mistake." She shook back her hair with -a resolute gesture that spoke volumes for her sincerity. "Tony," she -said, "you're a brick. I really don't know how to thank you." - -"There's nothing to thank me for," said Tony. "I have taken up the -case in the interests of European morals. I don't approve of a young -man marrying, when he already has a wife in the sight of Heaven." - -"Not only in the sight of Heaven," returned Molly with spirit. "In -the sight of the Registrar of Chelmsford as well." - -There was a brief pause. "Good Lord!" said Tony slowly. "Is that a -fact?" - -Molly half jumped up in bed, and then sitting down again, pulled up -the counterpane. - -"I can't get out," she said, "this nightdress isn't respectable. -Just go to the dressing-table, Tony--there's a dear--and open that -top drawer on the right. You'll find a jewel-case inside--a brown -one." - -Tony did as he was commanded, and took out a small Russia leather -box, with Molly's initials in gold stamped upon the lid. - -"Here you are," she said, holding out her hand. "Now give me that -little bunch of keys by the brush." - -She opened the box, and rummaging inside extracted a slip of paper, -which she unfolded and glanced through before handing it to Tony. - -"How about that?" she inquired with a sort of dispassionate triumph. - -Tony took the document, and sitting down again on the foot of the -bed, spread it out in front of him. It was the ordinary registrar's -form of marriage certificate, dated at Chelmsford six months -previously, and it set out in the restrained but convincing style -adopted by such authors, that on the date in question Mary Monk, -daughter of John Monk, game-keeper, and Pedro da Talles, son of Pedro -da Talles, gentleman, had seen fit to enter into the bonds of Holy -Matrimony. - -Tony read it through with an interest that he seldom devoted to -current literature, and then looked up with an expression of deep -admiration. - -"You're a wonderful person, Molly," he said. - -She shrugged her shoulders. "Oh, I'm not under any mistaken ideas -about its value," she replied coolly. "I know it wouldn't cut any -ice in Livadia--and I expect it's about equally useless here. You -see in the first place Pedro isn't allowed to marry any one except a -Royalty, and then of course this paper's all out of order. You see -we had to keep it dark who Peter really was, or of course the news -would have been all over the shop. Fortunately no ordinary person in -England knows his family name, so there wasn't much chance of anybody -spotting the entry. The only thing was we couldn't describe his -father as a king--that would have busted the show hopelessly--so we -had to put him down as a gentleman. I expect that's enough to make -it illegal by itself." - -"I should think so," said Tony. "It's certainly a very misleading -description, judging by popular rumour." He paused. "What made you -do it, Molly, and how did you manage to bring it off?" - -"Oh, it was easy enough," replied Molly a little contemptuously. "I -believe I could make Peter do almost anything. He's frightfully fond -of me in his way." She leaned forward and picked up the paper. "I -don't really know why I bothered about it," she added thoughtfully. -"I think it was partly just to show myself I could, and partly--" she -stopped and laughed--"well, Granddad used to be a churchwarden at -Helbeck, you know, and right underneath everything I think I've got -some secret strain of lower middle-class respectability." - -"I am glad it hasn't hampered your taste in nightdresses," said Tony. -"That would have been a tragedy." He helped himself to another -cigarette. "Well, you're going to come in with us and battle for -your rights, then?" he added. - -"Every time," observed Molly with decision. - -"I know where I am now, and that will make all the difference. Up -till to-day I have sort of been fighting in the dark." - -"Have you seen Peter again?" inquired Tony. - -Molly nodded. "He was here yesterday. He wouldn't tell me anything, -but I could see he was nearly worried out of his life. I don't -believe it's entirely about this girl--I am sure from the way he -spoke that things are coming to a head out in Livadia." - -"I expect they are," said Tony. "You can't work up a revolution and -then postpone it like a mothers' meeting. Isabel's disappearance -must have made Da Freitas as mad as a wet hen. It's come just at the -wrong moment." - -"Is this girl really so like me?" asked Molly. - -"Wonderfully," said Tony; "considering how rare beauty is. She has -got brown eyes instead of blue, but any one who was short-sighted or -a little intoxicated might easily mistake her for you. Probably -that's why Peter wanted to kiss her that night after dinner." - -Molly looked a little sceptical. "Peter will kiss anybody," she -said, "especially when he's had a drink or two." She paused. -"Still, I don't think I like her being quite so like me," she added -thoughtfully. - -"It can't be helped," said Tony. "I expect Heaven had some of the -material left over, and didn't want to waste it." - -"Oh, I'm not worrying really," replied Molly. - -"I've become a sort of habit to Peter. He would be absolutely lost -without me now. He said as much himself yesterday, and he's not -given to making pretty speeches. You see I'm the only girl he has -ever known who was really fond of him for his own sake. All the rest -have been absolute rotters." - -"He doesn't deserve his luck," said Tony severely. "It's incredible -that any one could be so stupid as to prefer sitting on a throne in -Livadia to stopping in London and making love to you." - -"Oh, it's not his fault," protested Molly. "It's all that old pig Da -Freitas. Peter knows perfectly well he is not fit to be a king. I -have told him so again and again, and in his heart he absolutely -agrees with me. He always makes a mess of things if I'm not there to -look after him." - -Tony got up from the bed. "It's really a work of pure benevolence -that we're engaged on," he observed. "We might almost christen -ourselves the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Peter, and -appeal for a public subscription." He picked up his hat off the -chair. "Well anyhow, Molly," he added, "from to-day we shall -consider you one of us, and keep you posted up in everything that -goes on." - -"Right-oh," replied Molly cheerfully, "and the same here. I am quite -sure that if Peter is going to do anything very desperate he'll let -me know about it in spite of Da Freitas. Anyhow, it won't be my -fault if he doesn't." - -"I don't suppose it will," said Tony. - -He bent down and implanted a kiss just under her chin, which Molly -considerately elevated for the purpose, and then, after having -bestowed half a sovereign upon Claudine who glided out into the hall -to open the front door for him, he clambered back into his car and -set off on the return journey. - -Having arrived home he drove up to the garage, and leaving the car in -the care of Jennings, walked down the path on to the lawn where he -had left Guy and Isabel. The chairs they had been sitting on were -still there, but there was no sign of their late occupants. Thinking -that perhaps another botany lesson was in progress, Tony strolled on -round the garden, but except for a white whiskered gentleman who was -doing something mysterious with a spade, the place seemed to be -deserted. He returned to the house, and entering the morning-room by -the open French window rang the bell for Spalding. - -"They have gone across to number sixteen, Sir Antony," replied the -latter in answer to his inquiry. "Miss Francis wished to return -before lunch, and Mr. Guy told me to inform you that he and Bugg had -walked across with her. They will be back by one o'clock." - -There was a pause. - -"I suppose you heard about our little entertainment there yesterday?" -said Tony. - -Spalding inclined his head. "Mrs. Spalding informed me of the facts, -sir. They appear to have made a considerable impression upon her." - -"Mrs. Spalding was magnificent," said Tony. "It's quite impossible -to frighten her." - -"Quite, sir," agreed Spalding. "I have observed that myself, sir." - -"I hope you don't object, Spalding," said Tony. "I don't think we -did any harm to your property." - -"That's perfectly all right, sir," replied the butler. "I trust that -you will consider yourself quite at home there. The house is fully -insured." - -"Thank you, Spalding," said Tony. "You are always very obliging." - -Spalding acknowledged the compliment with another grave bow, and -picking up the current copy of the _Auto Car_, which contained a -description of the last Brooklands meeting, Tony sauntered out again -on to the lawn. - -Here he established himself comfortably in a basket-chair, and after -lighting a pipe, opened the paper at the article in question. It was -enriched with several complimentary references to himself and his -driving, and Tony, who liked to hear agreeable sentiments expressed -about any one that he was fond of, read it through with appreciative -interest. He had just finished, and was lying back in the sunshine -in a pleasant state of contentment with the Universe, when the French -window opened and Spalding came down on to the lawn, carrying a small -silver salver, containing a couple of visiting cards. He advanced to -where Tony was sitting. - -"Two gentlemen have called, sir, and would like to see you." - -Tony took out his pipe and shook off the ash on to the grass. - -"What are their names, Spalding?" he inquired. - -The butler glanced at the cards as if to refresh his memory. - -"They are two foreign gentlemen, Sir Antony. The Marquis da Freitas, -and the Count de Sé." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -A MOVE BY THE ENEMY - -There was a moment's pause, and then in a leisurely fashion Tony -knocked the remaining tobacco out of his pipe, and put it away in his -pocket. - -"How jolly!" he observed. "What have you done with them?" - -"I have shown them into the library, Sir Antony." - -Tony got up from his chair and pulled down his coat. - -"Do I look respectable, Spalding?" he asked. "I shouldn't like to -receive such distinguished visitors with any suggestion of -slovenliness." - -Spalding inspected him carefully, and then stepping forward removed a -small piece of white thread from the knee of his trousers. - -"There is nothing the matter now, Sir Antony," he replied. - -Tony walked leisurely up the steps into the house, and crossing the -morning-room and the hall, opened the door of the library. - -Da Freitas and the Count, both irreproachably dressed in frock coats, -were standing on the hearth-rug. - -"Hulloa, Marquis!" observed Tony. "This is awfully nice of you to -come and look me up. A sort of burying of the pugilistic hatchet, -eh?" - -With an affable bow the Marquis accepted his proffered hand. - -"It is my hope that we shall always be good friends," he replied in -that smooth purring voice of his. Then indicating his companion, he -added: "May I have the honour of presenting you to the Count de Sé?" - -Tony shook hands in turn with the Count, who in contrast with the -urbane Da Freitas appeared nervous and ill at ease. - -"How do you do?" said Tony. "I suppose it's my imagination, but -d'you know I can't help feeling I have seen you before somewhere." - -For a moment the Count seemed at a loss how to reply, and before he -could recover himself the Marquis da Freitas had taken up the -gauntlet. - -"You are right, Sir Antony. You made the Count's acquaintance in -Richmond Park the day before yesterday. It is that meeting to a -certain extent which is responsible for our visit." - -With an air of pleased remembrance, Tony turned back to Isabel's -guardian. - -"Why, of course," he exclaimed. "How stupid of me! I say, I hope -you didn't hurt yourself when you fell off the car?" - -The Count drew himself up. "It is through a miracle that I was not -killed," he replied with some stiffness. - -Tony nodded sympathetically. "I know," he said. "That's the danger -of a clay soil. It gets so hard in hot weather." - -A sudden tinge of colour appeared in the Count's parchment-like face, -and once again the soothing tones of Da Freitas broke in upon the -conversation. - -"I expect," he said suavely, "that we have all been more or less -under a misunderstanding. I am quite sure that when matters are -explained this little Comedy of Errors will settle itself." - -"I shouldn't wonder," said Tony. "But won't you both sit down and -have a cigar? There's no reason we shouldn't be comfortable while we -are talking." - -He took a box off the mantelpiece and held it out in turn to his two -guests. Da Freitas helped himself, and after a second's hesitation -the Count followed suit, as though the tempting appearance of the -cabanas that it contained had proved too strong for his contemplated -refusal. - -It was Da Freitas who reopened the conversation. Having seated -himself on the broad leather-covered couch against the wall, he took -an appreciative pull at his cigar, and then removed it carefully from -between his thick lips. - -"I suppose," he said, "that you are aware who the young lady is that -you have apparently been good-natured enough to assist?" - -It was the identical question that Congosta had opened with, and Tony -answered it in much the same fashion. - -"Why, of course," he said. "When I make new friends I am always most -careful about their antecedents." - -The Marquis looked up at him sharply, but Tony's face remained -absolutely expressionless. - -"As you may imagine," continued the former, "it was a cause of -infinite relief to the Count and myself to learn that her foolish -escapade had had no more serious consequences." He paused. "We -should be interested to learn how and under what circumstances you -became acquainted." - -"We were introduced by a mutual acquaintance in Long Acre," said Tony. - -The Marquis raised his eyebrows. "Ah, indeed!" he replied -courteously. "I had no idea that Isabella had any acquaintances in -London. That was one thing that made us so extremely anxious about -her." - -He paused again as though giving Tony an opportunity to be a little -more communicative--a thoughtful attention which the latter appeared -to overlook. - -"I suppose," he continued with a good-natured laugh, "that the dear -foolish child has been telling you of the terrible tragedies of a -high destiny. She is incredibly romantic as you have doubtless seen. -It's a charming weakness in a young girl, but"--he shrugged his -shoulders--"well, sometimes we poor elders are forced to appear -unsympathetic in order to be kind." - -"Yes," said Tony, "so I gather." - -Again the Marquis glanced at him quickly, and then as if partly -reassured by the perfect tranquillity of his countenance, proceeded -in the same strain of benevolent urbanity. - -"To youth the claims of duty must always seem hard and unreasonable. -One would not wish it otherwise. If we were not a little unwise and -impatient in the spring-time of life, what interest would be left to -us for the autumn and the winter?" He took another pull at his -cigar, and blew out a philosophic cloud of smoke. "I presume," he -added smilingly, "that you are fully acquainted with the main cause -of our little runaway's desperate decision?" - -"I understand," said Tony, "that she was unable to appreciate the -more subtle points of her selected husband?" - -Da Freitas waved his hand indulgently. "Ah, well, my dear Sir -Antony, between ourselves I do not mind admitting that His Majesty is -not perhaps the figure of Romance that a young girl pictures in her -dreams. But what would you? He loves her devotedly, and he will -make her a good--an excellent husband. It will be an ideal marriage -in every way." - -"You really think so?" said Tony artlessly. - -"I am sure of it. Why should I have encouraged it otherwise? We -have nothing to gain politically by such a match. His Majesty might -have made an alliance with one of the most powerful reigning houses -in Europe, but he loves his cousin, and I am old-fashioned enough to -believe that when there is no great objection it is best to follow -the counsels of the heart." - -"But there is a grave objection," said Tony, "--on the lady's part." - -Again Da Freitas shrugged his shoulders. "My dear Sir Antony--a -young girl's whims and fancies! What are they anyway? Three parts -shyness and modesty. Within a week of her marriage she will be -perfectly happy and contented." - -Tony leaned back and crossed his legs. "Well, I'll tell her what you -say," he observed, "but I am afraid I can't hold out much hope." - -There was a short and rather pregnant silence. - -"The position does not appear to be quite clear to you, Sir Antony," -remarked Da Freitas with a somewhat excessive politeness. "While we -appreciate your friendly offer of assistance, there can be no -question of our sending messages through any third party. The Count -de Sé is Her Highness's legal guardian, and the sooner she is -returned to his care and protection, the better it will be for -everybody concerned." - -"I daresay," replied Tony lazily; "but you see there's a difficulty -in the way. She dislikes him even more than she does you and Pedro." - -Da Freitas controlled himself admirably. - -"It is scarcely a question of Her Highness's personal feelings," he -observed. "I fancy that we are the best judges of her future -welfare, and in any case the present state of affairs cannot possibly -be allowed to continue." - -"I don't see why," persisted Tony cheerfully. "I have adopted Isabel -as a cousin, and the arrangement suits us both excellently. Of -course I am sorry in a way that Pedro should be disappointed, but -after all it only serves him right. I don't approve of a young man -marrying a nice girl, unless he has led a healthy and reputable life." - -This was too much for the Count de Sé, who started up in his chair -with an indignant gasp. - -"Sir!" he exclaimed. "You are insolent." - -Tony looked across at him with perfect good temper. - -"We are all insolent in England," he said. "It's the result of there -being no duelling." - -"Sir Antony is indulging his sense of humour," broke in Da Freitas -with a dangerous suavity. "We can hardly insult his intelligence by -suggesting that he is taking up this position seriously. Otherwise -it might be necessary to remind him that in this great and admirable -country of his there is such a thing as the Law." - -"I have been told," said Tony, "that it is our supreme national -achievement." - -"It is at least effective," replied Da Freitas with some -significance. "I understand that it takes a very definite view as to -the detention of a minor from her legal guardian." - -"There is only one trouble about the law in England," said Tony. -"It's inclined to be slow in its operation." - -Da Freitas' white teeth exhibited themselves in a smile. - -"That," he observed, "is a universal weakness in legal systems, but -fortunately there are ways and methods of overcoming it. In the -present case, for instance, I fancy that a few words from me to your -extremely courteous and obliging Foreign Office might have a very -far-reaching effect." - -"I am sure they would," said Tony cordially. "In fact I shouldn't be -the least surprised if they reached as far as Livadia. It's -extraordinary how news travels--especially interesting and romantic -news of this sort." - -Once again there was a pause in the conversation. Then Da Freitas -laughed--easily and pleasantly. - -"If that remark is intended for a threat, I am afraid that your -information is a little out of date. His Majesty's intentions are -already known to the government at Portriga." - -Tony shook his head. "I wasn't thinking so much about the -government," he said. "It was the friends and supporters of the late -Don Francisco that I had in my mind. I've got an idea that some of -them might like to come over to Richmond and congratulate the Count -on having arranged such a satisfactory marriage." - -The effect that this innocent remark produced upon Isabel's uncle was -prompt and remarkable. His naturally unpleasant complexion went a -sort of dirty green, and flinging his half-smoked cigar on the carpet -he rose unsteadily to his feet. - -"Are we to sit here and be threatened and insulted any longer?" he -demanded. - -"Apparently not," said Tony, "but all the same there's no need to -burn a hole in my nice carpet." - -With a masterful gesture Da Freitas checked his companion's outburst. -Then he too rose from the sofa, and stood facing Tony with the same -easy and smiling urbanity that he had displayed all through the -interview. - -"We are flattered at your interest in the affairs of our afflicted -country, Sir Antony; but if you will forgive my offering you a little -advice, it is a dangerous habit to make a plaything out of what other -people take seriously." - -Tony stepped to the fireplace and pressed the electric bell. - -"All real pleasure seems to have a certain amount of risk about it," -he admitted sadly. "The only thing to do is to hope for the best and -take every proper precaution." - -The Marquis picked up his hat from the table on which he had placed -it. - -"I have heard more foolish remarks," he observed, "from considerably -wiser people." - -There was a sound outside, and then the door opened and Spalding -appeared on the threshold. - -Tony turned to his guests. "Have you got a car?" he inquired, "or -can my man drive you anywhere?" - -Da Freitas bowed. "You are very kind," he said, "but there is no -need to trouble you. We are in the fortunate position of being able -to look after ourselves--in every way." - -He walked to the door, followed by the Count de Sé, who haughtily -ignored Tony's polite farewell. Leaning against the mantelpiece the -latter waited placidly until he heard the grind and scrunch of the -departing car, and then strolling out into the hall discovered -Spalding in the act of closing the front door. - -"Have Miss Francis and Mr. Guy come back yet?" he inquired. - -"Yes, Sir Antony," replied Spalding. "They returned a few minutes -ago and are waiting in the garden. I took the liberty of informing -them who your visitors were. You had given no instructions, but I -thought you might wish them to know." - -"It's a waste of time giving you instructions, Spalding," said Tony. -"Your instincts are so invariably accurate." - -Spalding, as usual, acknowledged the compliment with a slight bow. - -"Would you wish lunch to be served, sir?" he inquired. "Or shall I -put it off for a quarter of an hour?" - -"Oh, no, you can bring it up," said Tony. "I want support. There is -something very exhausting about the foreign aristocracy." - -He strolled out into the garden, where Isabel and Guy, who were back -in their old seats, jumped up eagerly to meet him. - -"Well?" they inquired simultaneously. - -"Fairly so," said Tony, "considering what I have been through. I had -no idea that this conspiracy business was such an intellectual -strain." - -"Oh, what did Da Freitas say?" asked Isabel clasping her hands. "I -could almost see him standing there smiling and threatening you in -that horrible smooth way of his." - -"He was in quite good form," said Tony cheerfully, "and so was Uncle -Phil." He put his arm through hers. "But come along in and I'll -tell you all about it while we are having some food. We mustn't -allow our pleasures to interfere with the more serious duties of -life." - -They made their way to the dining-room, where Spalding was just -bringing in lunch, and over an excellent saddle of mutton Tony gave -them a leisurely but animated description of his recent interview. - -"I don't know what you think," he finished, "but my own idea is that -Da Freitas was skidding a little from the truth when he said that the -Republican government knew all about Peter's matrimonial plans. I -don't see how they can, unless Congosta's people have told them, and -that isn't likely." - -"They may have spies of their own," suggested Guy. "They must know -that the King is plotting to come back, and you can be pretty sure -that they are keeping an eye on him some way or other." He paused. -"I wonder what Da Freitas will do next!" he added. - -"We needn't worry ourselves," said Tony. "We shall find out before -very long. I never saw a middle-aged nobleman more obviously bent -upon immediate mischief." - -Isabel nodded her agreement. "He always has some plan ready if -another one fails. In Livadia when he was Prime Minister they used -to call him the Black Spider." - -"Do you think he knows where Isabel is?" asked Guy. - -"I shouldn't wonder," said Tony placidly. "He gave me the impression -of having several aces up his sleeve." - -Guy frowned thoughtfully. "I don't think it's very safe leaving her -at Spalding's with only Bugg to look after her. These people have -big interests at stake and they won't mind what methods they employ." - -"No," said Tony, "to do Da Freitas justice I shouldn't think there -was any maudlin fastidiousness about him." He paused to mix himself -a whisky and soda. "I am inclined to think you're right, Guy. The -best thing with these strong, unscrupulous men is to put temptation -out of their reach." - -"How do you propose to do it?" asked Guy. - -"I shall go along this afternoon to Aunt Fanny and see if I can't -persuade her to ask Isabel to come and stay. She ought to be quite -safe there. No one would ever think of looking for a Queen in -Chester Square. It's so respectable." - -"I seem to be getting more of a bother than ever," observed Isabel in -rather a distressed voice. - -"Not at all," said Guy firmly. "Every right-minded person finds it a -pleasure and a privilege to prevent injustice being done." - -"Especially to any one beautiful," added Tony. "It's wonderful how -beauty quickens one's ethical sense." He turned to Isabel. "How -would you like to go to a music hall to-night?" he asked. - -"Very much," said Isabel promptly. - -A faint cloud of disapproval showed itself on Guy's forehead. - -"Don't you think a theatre would be more--more appropriate?" he asked. - -"No," said Tony, "I don't. Isabel knows nothing of the deeper and -better side of our English national life, and it's quite time she -learned. I shall take her to the Empire." He paused. "I don't like -leaving her alone all this afternoon though," he added thoughtfully. -"I suppose you couldn't possibly snatch an hour or two, Guy----?" - -"Oh, I shall be all right," interrupted Isabel hastily. "You mustn't -think of putting yourself out for me, Cousin Guy." - -Guy laid down his knife and fork. "My dear Isabel," he said in that -precise and dignified manner of his; "when you know Tony as well as I -do, you won't pay the faintest attention to his remarks. I am not -the least busy this afternoon and I shall be only too pleased if you -will accept my company." - -"I shall be delighted," said Isabel, "but I am not really frightened -of Da Freitas now. Look what I got yesterday." - -She slipped her hand into an inside pocket of the tailormade coat -that she was wearing, and pulled out a tiny little ivory-handled -pistol, which she held out for Tony's inspection. - -"It's one of Harrod's," she added, "I saw it in his list. Isn't it -nice?" - -"Charming," said Tony. "I had no idea that Harrod was so -blood-thirsty." - -"Is it loaded?" inquired Guy with a faint trace of anxiety. - -"Oh, yes," said Isabel promptly. "Harrod says it will kill a man at -ten yards." - -"You ought to hit Da Freitas all right at ten yards," observed Tony -critically. "He's very podgy." - -"You mustn't encourage her in such ideas," broke in Guy. "We are not -in Livadia or South America." He turned to Isabel. "People don't -shoot at each other in England," he explained. "It's against the law -and they would be very severely punished. You had better give me -that to look after for you." - -Isabel shook her head. "I shall shoot at him if he tries to take me -back," she said with determination. "I would rather go to prison -than marry Pedro." - -"A very healthy and reasonable sentiment," remarked Tony. "Guy has -the most morbid ideas about the sanctity of human life. He ought to -belong to the National Liberal Club." - -Isabel put back the pistol into her pocket, and after one more -unavailing effort Guy abandoned his protest as useless. - -"I suppose it's on a par with the rest of the situation," he observed -gloomily. "We shall probably all end in prison or something worse -before we've finished." - -Tony laughed and pushed across the whisky. - -"Never mind, Guy," he replied in an encouraging voice. "We shall be -able to look back on beautiful and well-spent lives, and that's the -only thing that really matters." - -It was close on four o'clock when Tony arrived at Chester Square, and -was shown up to the drawing-room by Lady Jocelyn's trim and -efficient-looking parlour-maid. Lady Jocelyn herself was sitting on -the sofa reading one of Anatole France's earlier novels, and she shut -the book up with a pleased smile as her visitor appeared on the -threshold. - -"Dear Tony," she said. "How nice of you to come so soon. I have -been positively ill with curiosity. It's the only disease I can't -bear with dignity." - -Tony kissed her affectionately and sat down on the sofa beside her. - -"I have brought you the cure, Aunt Fanny," he replied, "but I'm -afraid it's rather an exhausting one. Do you feel strong enough to -listen to a long and distressing story, involving some of the noblest -names in Europe?" - -"The longer and distressinger it is," said Lady Jocelyn, "the more I -shall enjoy it." She stretched out her hand to a small table beside -her, and pressed an electric bell. "But perhaps we had better have -tea up first," she added. "A cup of tea improves the best scandal in -the world. It makes it seem more abandoned." - -"I suppose that accounts for the great wealth of Lipton and Lyons," -said Tony. "I had always put it down to their Scottish blood." - -The neat parlour-maid returned, and having been requested to bring -tea, duly performed that operation with the deftness and celerity -that characterized all Lady Jocelyn's servants. Then, having -received instructions that no other visitors were to be admitted, she -retired gracefully from the scene, closing the door behind her. - -"Now you can begin, Tony," said Lady Jocelyn, handing him one of her -fragile Sèvres cups. "Speak slowly and don't omit any of the more -painful details. I can bear anything provided it's sufficiently -scandalous." - -Thus encouraged Tony entered upon his task, and in practically the -same words as he had already told it to Molly he repeated the moving -story of his discovery of Isabel, and the bracing results which had -sprung from their acquaintance. Lady Jocelyn listened to him with a -silent but deep enjoyment which showed itself plainly in her -twinkling black eyes. Like Molly she made no interruptions until he -had finished, contenting herself with an occasional nod or an -appreciative smile as the more interesting developments gradually -unrolled themselves. When the whole story was finally concluded, she -lay back against the cushions and surveyed him with a sort of -affectionate approval. - -"My dear Tony," she said. "I have done you a great injustice. Ever -since you were a small boy, I have admired your efforts at -brightening the family life, but I never suspected you were capable -of anything like this." - -"I think I have always been a little misunderstood," answered Tony -modestly. "Some people develop late, you know." - -Lady Jocelyn laughed softly. "I can now depart in peace," she said. -"If any one had told me that I should live to see Laura and Henry -mixed up even remotely in a bloodthirsty European scandal--" She -broke off, as if mere words were inadequate to express the depth of -her emotions. - -"It is rather joyous, isn't it?" said Tony. "Still it's their own -fault, you know. They have been worrying me to take up some serious -profession ever since the war." - -"Well, they can't complain then," agreed Lady Jocelyn. "Kidnapping -Queens is one of the most serious professions that any young man -could possibly adopt." She arranged herself a little more -comfortably on the sofa, and looked across at Tony with a smile. -"And what about my part in the play?" she asked. "Am I to be the -Fairy Godmother?" - -For a moment Tony paused. "I don't know," he said. "Upon my soul I -don't like to drag you into it, Aunt Fanny." - -"Nonsense," retorted Lady Jocelyn briskly. "People of my age require -a little mental stimulant to keep their interest in life alive." She -paused. "Besides, you must think of the girl. Even a Princess's -reputation has to be considered." - -Tony nodded. "That's our weak point," he observed. "We've got a -good hand, but we're a bit thin on chaperons." - -"It's quite simple," said Lady Jocelyn. "You must bring her to stay -with me. I am sure we should get along together excellently. I like -girls with red hair." - -"I did think of it," admitted Tony; "but you know, Aunt Fanny, it's -really rather risky. Those sleek purring people like Da Freitas are -dangerous beggars when they mean mischief." - -"I am not frightened," answered Lady Jocelyn calmly. "There is a -very reliable policeman at the corner, and the house is heavily -insured." She laid down the piece of silk knitting which she had -picked up after tea. "Tony," she said suddenly, "I have got an idea. -If you are really determined to play the knight errant for this young -woman, why don't you put that very comfortable steam yacht of yours -into commission and take her away out of danger? If you will go to -some nice place I don't mind coming with you and looking after the -proprieties. I am very fond of a sea voyage even now." - -Tony sat up and gazed at her with admiration. - -"My dear Aunt Fanny!" he exclaimed. "That's not an idea. That's a -stroke of pure genius." He paused as if to allow the full brilliance -of the suggestion to sink into him. "I could bring Guy too," he -added, "and then we should have a four for bridge." - -"If Guy would come," said Lady Jocelyn. "He probably considers the -ocean not quite respectable." - -"Oh, he'd come all right," said Tony. "He's getting much -broader-minded, especially where Isabel's concerned." He got up from -the sofa. "I will send a wire to Simmons on my way back. The -_Betty_ is in Southampton and it won't take more than a day or two to -get her ready." - -"You are going to bring Isabel to stay with me just the same, I -suppose?" asked Lady Jocelyn. "Apart altogether from Mrs. Grundy, I -should think it would be much safer for her to leave Hampstead. I -expect Da Freitas knows where she is, and in that case she must be in -a certain amount of danger." - -Tony nodded. "I will bring her along myself to-morrow morning," he -said. "The house is probably watched, but I shall take her a nice -little run in the Peugot first. I don't think any one will find out -where we finish up." He paused. "You really are a darling, Aunt -Fanny," he added. "I have no idea how to thank you." - -Lady Jocelyn smiled at him placidly. "I will tell you, Tony," she -said, "after I have seen Isabel." - -There is a small confectioner's shop, not a hundred yards from -Victoria Station, which for some dark purpose of his own the Post -Master General has enriched with a Telegraph Office. Here Tony -halted the car on his return journey, and sauntering up to the desk -inside, selected a form, which after some consideration he filled up -with the following message:---- - - - To CAPTAIN SIMMONS, - Steam yacht Betty, - Southampton. - -Please make all preparations immediate sailing. Party of six or -seven including servants. Duration of voyage uncertain. Wire -earliest date likely to be ready. Hope you're well. - -CONWAY. - - -He handed it to the girl behind the counter, an anæmic young lady of -about seventeen, who having read it carefully with the aid of a -pencil, looked up at him with a rather wistful envy. - -"One shilling and eightpence," she observed. Then in a low voice she -added: "Wish I was comin' too. Some people have all the luck." - -Tony put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a five-pound note. He -glanced round, and seeing that no one was observing them, pushed it -across the counter. - -"Never mind, Gwendoline," he said encouragingly. "Pay for the -telegram out of that, and try to keep the other nine commandments." - -Then, before the astounded young lady had recovered her power of -speech, he lifted his hat, and strolled off out of the shop in the -same leisurely fashion as he had entered it. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -A DISTURBANCE IN HAMPSTEAD - -Isabel gazed round the cheerful, brightly lighted little restaurant -with a glance of complete contentment. - -"I am quite sure father was wrong about our being the rightful heirs -to the throne," she said. "Anyhow, I don't feel the least like a -queen." - -"You mustn't be so exacting," replied Tony. "You look like one; and -that's all that any reasonable girl has any right to expect." - -"Still," persisted Isabel, "I expect that proper kings and queens -have a special sort of Royal feeling inside. I haven't got it in the -least. I have been a thousand times happier since I ran away than I -ever should be if I was stuck up on a throne. It's the silly -pretence of it all that I should hate so. Even the sort of -semi-state that we used to keep up when Father was alive nearly drove -me mad. It was like being surrounded by a lot of stupid shadows. Do -you know that except for Miss Watson, you and Cousin Guy are the -first _real_ people I have ever met." - -"There are not many about," said Tony. "At least that's how it seems -to me. I always feel as if I was in the stalls of a theatre looking -on at a play. The only real people are one's friends who are sitting -alongside, criticizing and abusing it." - -Isabel nodded. "It's the first time I have been in the audience," -she said. "Up till now I haven't even done any acting. I have just -been waiting behind the scenes as a sort of understudy." - -They had just finished dinner and were dawdling pleasantly over -coffee and cigarettes in the soothing atmosphere of the Café Bruges. -They had chosen that discreet but excellent little restaurant as the -one in which they were least likely to run across inconvenient -acquaintances, since its clientele consists almost entirely of Board -of Trade officials, who take little interest in anything outside of -their own absorbing profession. Compared with these deserving but -sombre people Isabel looked very young and charming. The strained, -hunted look had quite gone out of her face, and in the softly shaded -light her amber eyes shone with a contented happiness that Tony found -extremely attractive. - -"I think you will find Aunt Fanny real enough," he said, tipping off -the end of his cigarette into the saucer. "At least she always seems -amazingly so to me." - -"I am sure we shall get along together splendidly," said Isabel. -"She sounds a dear from what you have told me about her." - -"She is," replied Tony with as near an approach to enthusiasm as he -ever attained. "She is the most complete and delightful aunt in the -world. Fancy an ordinary aunt of seventy-two offering to come with -us on the _Betty_!" - -"I am looking forward to it so much," exclaimed Isabel happily. "I -love the sea. I should like to go right round the world and then -back again." - -Tony contemplated her with lazy enjoyment. "Well, there's nothing to -stop us," he said, "unless Aunt Fanny or Guy object. I am afraid -it's not quite Guy's idea of a really useful and intelligent -employment." - -"He _is_ serious," admitted Isabel, "but he is very kind. I daresay -he wouldn't mind if I asked him nicely." - -"It's quite possible," said Tony gravely. He glanced at his watch. -"We ought to be getting along to the Empire," he added, "or we shall -miss the performing sea lions. I wouldn't have that happen for -anything in the world." - -He paid the bill, and leaving the restaurant they strolled off -through the brightly lighted streets in the direction of Leicester -Square. It was a delightfully fine evening, and Isabel, who had -insisted on walking, drank in the varied scene with an interest and -enjoyment that would have satisfied Charles Lamb. There was a -freshness and excitement about her pleasure in it all that spoke -eloquently of the dull life she must have been forced to lead by her -guardian, and Tony felt more gratified than ever at his remembrance -of the heavy thud with which that gentleman had rebounded from the -sun-baked soil of Richmond Park. - -It cannot justly be said that the Empire programme contained any very -refreshing novelties, but Isabel's enthusiasm was contagious. Tony -found himself applauding the sea lions and the latest half naked -dancer with generous if indiscriminating heartiness, while the jests -of a certain comedian took on a delicate freshness that they had not -known since the earliest years of the century. - -It was not until the orchestra had completed their somewhat hasty -rendering of _God Save the King_, that Isabel, with a little sigh of -satisfaction, expressed herself ready to depart. They strolled down -together to the R.A.C. Garage where Tony had left the car, and in a -few minutes they were picking their way through the still crowded -streets of the West End in the direction of Hampstead. - -From Tottenham Court Road they had a beautiful clear run home, the -Hispano sweeping up Haverstock Hill with that effortless rhythm that -only a perfectly tuned-up car can achieve. They rounded the quiet -deserted corner of Latimer Lane, and gliding gently along in the -shadow of the trees, pulled up noiselessly outside Mrs. Spalding's -house. - -"Hullo," said Tony. "Somebody else has been dissipating too." - -He pointed up the road to where about thirty yards ahead, the -tail-light of another car could be seen outside one of the houses. - -Isabel laughed with a kind of soft happiness. "I hope they have had -as nice an evening as we have," she observed generously. - -Pulling her skirt round her, she stepped lightly out of the car, and -having switched off the engine, Tony followed suit. - -"I will just come in and see that everything's right," he said. "I -told Bugg that we should be back about eleven-thirty." - -He moved towards the gate which was in deep shadow and laid his hand -upon the latch. As he did so there was the faintest possible rustle -in the darkness beside him. With amazing swiftness he wheeled round -in the direction of the sound, but even so he was just too late. A -savage blow in the mouth sent him staggering back against the -gate-post and then before he could recover a figure leapt out on him -with the swiftness of a panther, and clutched him viciously around -the body. At the same instant a second man sprang out from the -gloom, and snatched up Isabel in his arms. - -Half dazed as he was by the blow, Tony struggled fiercely with his -unknown assailant. Swaying and straining they crashed backwards -together into the garden gate, and the suffocating grip round his -waist momentarily slackened. - -"Bugg!" he roared at the top of his voice. "Bugg!!" In the darkness -a hand seized him by the throat, but with a tremendous effort he -managed to shake it off, and jerking his head forward brought the top -of his forehead in violent contact with the bridge of his assailant's -nose. A yelp of agony went up into the night, and at the same -instant a swift patter of footsteps could be heard hurrying down the -garden path. - -Either this sound or else the pain of the blow seemed to have a -disturbing effect upon the stranger, for once again his grip loosened -and with a final effort Tony tore himself free. He was panting for -breath, and the blood was trickling from his cut lips, but his only -thought was for Isabel's safety. Thirty yards away in the gleam of -his own headlights he could see a furious scuffle taking place -outside the other car. With a shout of encouragement he hurled -himself to the rescue, and even as he did so the quick sharp sound of -a pistol rang out like the crack of a whip. The struggling mass -broke up into two figures--one of which reeled against the car with -his hands to its head, while the other--Isabel herself--staggered -back feebly in the opposite direction. Tony flung his last available -ounce of energy into a supreme effort, but the distance was too great -to cover in the time. Just as he reached the spot there came the -grinding clang of a clutch being hastily thrust in, and the car -jerked off up the road with the door swinging loose upon its hinges. - -For a moment both he and Isabel were too exhausted to speak. Panting -and trembling she clung to his shoulder, the little smoking pistol -still clutched tightly in her hand. - -Tony was the first to recover his breath. - -"Well done, Isabel," he gasped. - -She looked up at him, her breast rising and falling quickly, and her -brown eyes full of a sort of passionate concern. - -"Oh, Tony," she said, "you're hurt. Your face is all covered with -blood." - -Tony pulled out his handkerchief and dabbed it against his lips. -"It's nothing," he said cheerfully, "nothing at all. I bleed very -easily if any one hits me in the mouth. All really well bred people -do." He bent down and took the little pistol out of her hand. "Who -was the gentleman you shot?" he asked. - -Isabel shook her head. "I don't know. I have never seen him before. -He was a rough, common man with a red face.' - -"He ought to die all right anyhow," said Tony hopefully. "It was -nothing like the ten yards, and Harrod is very reliable as a rule." - -"I'm afraid he won't," said Isabel in a rather depressed voice. "I -aimed at his head, but he ducked and I think I only shot his ear off." - -"Well, we won't bother to look for it," said Tony. "I don't suppose -it was a particularly nice one." He turned and glanced down the -road. "Hullo," he added, "here comes Bugg! I wonder what he's done -with the other chap." - -With an anxious expression upon his face, the faithful "Tiger" was -hurrying along the pavement towards them, moving with that swift -cat-like tread that stamps the well-trained athlete. He pulled up -with a sigh of relief on seeing that they were both apparently safe. - -"Sorry I was so long comin', Sir Ant'ny," he observed. "I didn't -'ear nothin'--not till you shouts 'Bugg.'" - -"I didn't notice any appreciable delay," replied Tony kindly. "Who -was our little friend at the gate?" - -Bugg's face hardened into the somewhat grim expression it generally -wore in the ring. "It was that swine Lopez--beggin' your pardon, -miss. But it was 'im all right, sir: there ain't no error abaht -that." - -Tony's damaged lips framed themselves into a low whistle. "Lopez, -was it!" he said softly. "I ought to have guessed. There was a -touch of the expert about that punch." - -"'E ain't 'urt yer, 'as 'e, sir?" demanded Bugg anxiously. - -"Oh, no," said Tony, "but he had a very praise-worthy try." - -Bugg chuckled. "You done it on _'im_ proper, sir. I seed 'is face -w'en 'e come aht in the lamp-light, and 'e didn't look as if 'e -wanted no more. Any'ow 'e wasn't exac'ly waitin' for it." - -"Bolted, I suppose?" said Tony laconically. - -Bugg nodded. "Run like a stag, sir. I didn't go after 'im, not far: -I reckoned you might be wantin' me 'ere." - -"Well, we'd better be getting into the house," said Tony. "We shall -have some of the neighbours out in a minute. They are not used to -these little scuffles in Hampstead." - -Even as he spoke one of the front gates clicked, and an elderly -gentleman in carpet slippers and a purple dressing-gown appeared on -the pavement. He was clutching a poker in his right hand, and he -seemed to be in a state of considerable agitation. - -On seeing the small group he came to an abrupt halt, and drew back -his weapon ready for instant action. - -"What has happened?" he demanded shrilly. "I insist upon knowing -what has happened." - -With a disarming smile Tony advanced towards him. - -"How do you do?" he said pleasantly. "I am Sir Antony Conway of -Goodman's Rest." - -The elderly gentleman's harassed face changed at once to that affable -expression which all respectable Englishmen assume in the presence of -rank and wealth. - -"Indeed--indeed, sir," he observed. "I am delighted to meet you. -Perhaps you can inform me what has occurred. I was aroused from my -sleep by the sound of firearms--firearms in Hampstead--sir!" - -"I know," said Tony; "it's disgraceful, isn't it--considering the -rates we have to pay?" He made a gesture towards the car. "I am -afraid I can't tell you very much. I was driving my cousin back from -the theatre, and when we pulled up we ran right into what looked like -a Corsican vendetta. I tried to interfere, and somebody hit me in -the mouth for my pains. Then I think they must have heard you -coming, because they all cleared out quite suddenly." - -The elderly gentleman drew himself up into an almost truculent -attitude. - -"It is fortunate that I was awakened in time," he said. "Had I been -a sound sleeper--" He paused as though words were inadequate to -convey the catastrophe that might have ensued. "All the same," he -added with true British indignation, "it's perfectly scandalous that -such things should be allowed to take place in a respectable -neighbourhood like this. I shall certainly complain to the police -the first thing in the morning." - -"Yes, do," said Tony, "only look here, I mustn't keep you standing -about any longer or you will be catching cold. That would be a poor -return for saving my life, wouldn't it?" - -He wrung the old gentleman's hand warmly, and the latter, who by this -time had apparently begun to believe that he had really achieved some -desperate feat of heroism, strutted back up his garden path with the -poker swinging fiercely in his hand. - -Tony turned to the others. "Come along," he said. "Let's get in -before any more of our rescuers arrive." - -Bugg had left the front door of Mrs. Spalding's house open, and they -made their way straight into the little sitting-room, where the gas -was burning cheerfully, and a tray of whisky and soda had been set -out on the table. - -Tony inspected the latter with an approving eye. - -"You are picking up the English language very quickly, Isabel," he -remarked. - -She smiled happily. "I asked Mrs. Spalding to get it for me," she -said. "I know that men like to drink at funny times--at least all -father's friends used to." She pulled up an easy-chair to the table. -"Now you have got to sit down and help yourself," she added. "I am -going to get some warm water and bathe your mouth. It's dreadfully -cut." - -Tony started to protest, but she had already left the room, and by -the time he had mixed and despatched a very welcome peg, she was back -again with a small steaming basin and some soft handkerchiefs. - -He again attempted to raise some objection, but with a pretty -imperiousness she insisted on his lying back in the chair. Then -bending over him she tenderly bathed and dried his cut lips, -performing the operation with the gentleness and skill of a properly -trained nurse. - -"Perhaps you're right after all about the Royal blood," he said, -sitting up and inspecting himself carefully in a hand-glass. "I -doubt if any genuine queen could have so many useful accomplishments." - -"I have never been allowed to do anything for anybody yet," said -Isabel contentedly. "I have got a lot of lost time to make up." - -Tony took her hands, which she now surrendered to him without any -trace of the slight embarrassment that had formerly marked their -relationship. - -"You are only just beginning life, Isabel," he said. "You have all -the advantage of being born suddenly at eighteen. It's much the -nicest arrangement, really, because no intelligent person ever enjoys -their childhood or schooldays." He released her hands, and glanced -across at the clock on the mantelpiece. "It's time you went to bed," -he added. "We'll talk about our adventure in the morning. One -should always have a good night's rest after shooting off anybody's -ear. It steadies the nerves." - -"All right," said Isabel obediently. "I don't suppose they will try -again to-night, do you?" - -Tony shook his head. "No," he replied; "otherwise I would stay here -and sleep on the mat." He took up his hat off the table. "Try and -get packed by eleven if you can manage it. I will come round and -call for you with the Peugot: your things will just go nicely into -the back." He paused. "Good-night, Isabel, dear." - -She looked up at him with that frank, trustful smile of hers. - -"Good-night, Tony, dear," she said. - -* * * * * * * - -It was exactly a quarter to one the next day, when the second curate -at St. Peter's, Eaton Square, whose mind was full of a sermon that he -was composing, stepped carelessly off the pavement into the roadway. -This rash act very nearly ended any chances of his becoming a bishop, -for a large travel-stained car that was coming along Holbein Place at -a considerable speed, only just swerved out of his path by the -fraction of an inch. With an exclamation that sounded -extraordinarily like "dammit" the curate leaped back on to the -pavement, and turning down Chester Square, the car pulled up in front -of Lady Jocelyn's. - -Tony and Isabel stepped out, and with a certain air of satisfaction -the former glanced round the comparatively deserted landscape. - -"I think we have baffled them, Isabel," he said, "unless that curate -was a spy." - -Isabel laughed. "He was very nearly a corpse," she remarked. - -The door of the house opened, emitting two of Lady Jocelyn's trim -maids, who were evidently expecting their arrival. Tony assisted -them to collect the luggage and carry it into the house, and then -following one of them upstairs, he and Isabel were ushered into the -drawing-room, where Lady Jocelyn was waiting to receive them. - -"This is Isabel, Aunt Fanny," he said. - -Lady Jocelyn took in the rightful Queen of Livadia with one of her -shrewd, kindly glances. - -"My dear," she said, "you are very pretty. Come and sit down." - -Isabel, smiling happily, seated herself on the sofa beside her -hostess, while Tony established himself on the hearth-rug in front of -the fireplace. - -"She is an improved edition of Molly Monk," he observed contentedly; -"and Molly is supposed to be one of the prettiest girls in London." - -"You ought to be nice-looking," said Lady Jocelyn, patting Isabel's -hand. "Your father was a splendidly handsome man before he took to -drink. I remember the portraits of him they used to stick up in -Portriga, whenever Pedro's father was more than usually unpopular." -She turned to Tony. "I am thankful that you have got her here -safely," she added. "I stayed awake quite a long time last night -wondering if you were having your throats cut." - -Tony laughed. "No," he said; "it was only my lip, and Isabel patched -it up very nicely." - -Lady Jocelyn put on her tortoise-shell spectacles, and inspected him -gently. - -"My dear Tony," she said, "now I come to look at you I can see that -you are a little out of drawing. I was so interested in Isabel I -never noticed it before." - -"It's only temporary," said Tony. "My beauty will return." He -glanced at the clock, and then pulled up an easy-chair. "I will tell -you the whole story if you like, Aunt Fanny. There is just time -before lunch, and it always gives me an appetite to talk about -myself." - -[Illustration: "I will tell you the whole story if you like, Aunt -Fanny. There is just time before lunch, and it always gives me an -appetite to talk about myself." Lady Jocelyn nodded. "Go on, Tony," -she said encouragingly. "We have plenty of food in the house."] - -Lady Jocelyn nodded. "Go on, Tony," she said, encouragingly. "We -have plenty of food in the house." - -There is something rather effective about a really incongruous -atmosphere, and described the next morning, with the solid -respectability of Chester Square as a background, the midnight battle -of Latimer Lane seemed to gain rather than lose in vividness. Tony -told it with what for him was a really praiseworthy restraint and -directness, and he had just got to the end when the door opened and -the parlour-maid announced that lunch was ready. - -Lady Jocelyn rose from the sofa. "Let us go and have something to -eat," she said. "I feel absolutely in need of support. Your society -has always been stimulating, Tony; but since you have adopted a -profession I find it almost overwhelming." - -She put her arm through Isabel's, and they made their way down to the -dining-room where a dainty little lunch was waiting their attention. -For a few minutes the conversation took a briskly gastronomic trend, -and then, having dismissed the parlour-maid Lady Jocelyn turned to -Tony. - -"You can go on," she said. "I feel stronger now." - -"I don't know that there's very much more to tell," said Tony. "I -had to explain it all to Guy who was very hard and unsympathetic. He -said it served me right for taking Isabel to the Empire, and that it -was only through the mercy of Heaven we were both not wanted for -murder. I think he must have meant Harrod, but he said Heaven." - -"They are not at all alive," replied Lady Jocelyn, "at least I hope -not. I should hate to spend eternity in Harrod's." She paused. "I -wonder if there is any chance of your having been followed this -morning?" - -"I don't think so," said Tony. "They probably watched us start, but -I took a little tour round Barnet and Hertford before coming here. -We didn't see any one following us--did we, Isabel?" - -Isabel shook her head. "I don't think Da Freitas would try," she -said, "not if he has seen you drive. He never wastes his time upon -impossibilities." - -Lady Jocelyn laughed. "My dear," she said gently; "you mustn't make -jokes if you want to be taken for a genuine queen. Joking went out -of fashion with Charles the Second. Nowadays no Royalty has any -sense of humour; indeed in Germany it's regarded as a legal bar to -the throne." She turned back to Tony. "Have you heard from your -captain yet?" - -Tony nodded. "I had a wire this morning. He says the _Betty_ can be -ready for sea any time after Thursday." - -"That's the best of being a ship," observed Lady Jocelyn a little -enviously. "One has only to paint oneself and take in some food and -one's ready to go anywhere. I have to buy clothes, and make my will, -and invent some story that will satisfy my brother-in-law the Dean. -I promised to go and stay with him next month: and it will have to be -a good story, because Deans are rather clever at that sort of thing -themselves." - -"I think it's so kind of you to come with us," observed Isabel simply. - -"My dear," said Lady Jocelyn, "I couldn't possibly allow you to go -away alone on the _Betty_ with Tony and Guy. It would be so bad for -the morals of the captain." She pressed the electric bell. "By the -way, Tony--is Guy coming, and have you decided yet where you are -going to take us?" - -"Guy's coming all right," replied Tony. "He has gone to the Stores -this morning to look through their patent life-saving waistcoats." -He helped himself to a glass of Hock. "I thought we might try Buenos -Ayres, Aunt Fanny. It's just the right time of year." - -"I have no objection," said Lady Jocelyn. "I don't know much about -it except that you pronounce it wrong, Tony." - -"It's quite a nice place, I believe," said Tony. "They buy all our -best race-horses." - -There was a brief interval while the parlour-maid, who had just come -in, cleared away their plates, and presented them with a fresh course. - -"I haven't a great number of race-horses to dispose of," observed -Lady Jocelyn, when the girl had again withdrawn, "but all the same I -shall be very pleased to go to Buenos Ayres. When do you propose to -start?" - -"Whenever you like," said Tony generously. - -Lady Jocelyn reflected for a moment. "I think I could be ready by -to-day week. We oughtn't to be longer than we can help or Da Freitas -may find out where you have hidden Isabel." - -"To-day week it shall be," said Tony. "I will send Simmons a wire to -have everything ready, and then we can all motor down in the Rolls -and start straight away." - -"And in the meantime," observed Lady Jocelyn, "I think it would be -wiser if you didn't come here at all, Tony. They are sure to keep a -pretty close eye on you, and you might be followed in spite of all -your precautions. I am not nervous, but we don't want to have Isabel -shooting people on the doorstep. It would upset the maids so." - -"I expect you're right, Aunt Fanny," said Tony a little sadly, "but -it will be very unpleasant. I have got used to Isabel now, and I -hate changing my habits." - -"It will be quite good for you," returned Lady Jocelyn firmly. "You -are so accustomed to having everything you want in life it must -become positively monotonous." She turned to Isabel. "You can -always talk to Tony on the telephone, you know, when you get bored -with an old woman's society." - -Isabel smiled. "I don't think I shall wait for that," she said, "or -we might never talk at all." - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -IMPENDING EVENTS - -"There's a letter for you," said Guy, "from Livadia." - -Tony walked to his place at the breakfast table and picked up the -missive in question which was propped against the Times beside his -plate. - -"It's from Jimmy," he observed tranquilly. "How exciting!" - -He opened the envelope and took out the contents--a large sheet of -thin paper covered on both sides with a small neat handwriting. -Sitting down in his chair he spread it out in front of him. - - - GARAGE ANGLAIS, - PRAÇA D. PORTO. - Portriga. - -MY DEAR TONY: - -It was very nice and unexpected of you to answer my -letter--especially within three months of your having received it. -You must be getting quite energetic in your old age, or is it only -due to the influence of "the young and beautiful friend who takes a -morbid interest in Livadian politics?" Anyhow, it's comforting to -know that you're still alive, and that you still have young and -beautiful friends. I was half afraid that I was the last of them. - -Now with regard to your questions. The only thing that seems pretty -certain about the future here is that there's going to be a Hell of a -dust up before long. It's an open secret that the Royalists are -plotting all over the place, and that they've got a good part of the -officers in the army with them. Down in the south, however, there -seems to be a strong party that's in favour of the other branch--the -descendants of that drunken scoundrel Don Francisco--whoever they -happen to be. Personally I can't say I take much interest in any of -them. Apart from my garage, I think the best thing for Europe would -be if the whole damn lot cut each other's throats. I except the old -President, who is not half a bad sort--and has a very pretty taste in -cigars and champagne. He is all right, however, because I know he -has a good parcel tucked away somewhere, and means to do a bunk -directly things get too hot. If I were you I should tell your young -and beautiful friend to give up taking an interest in Livadian -politics and start keeping rattlesnakes. It's a much more healthy -and profitable hobby. - -I have had one stroke of luck. I have managed to palm off my -business here on a local syndicate for a couple of thou., and am now -employed as Managing Director at £500 a year and commission. -"Commission" in Portriga means whatever you can cheat out of the -customers or steal from your employers. So far I am doing nicely at -both, thank you, but I don't expect it will last long. Another -revolution of course would bust us up altogether, because the first -thing that would happen would be that both sides would come down and -snaffle our cars. So I am just making an honest living while the sun -shines, and leaving the rest to Prov. - -You are three sorts of a brick to think out that job in Piccadilly, -but as it stands it's rather too one-sided an arrangement. I -couldn't take it unless I was in a position to shove in a little of -my own money too. Practically all I've got at present would have to -go to my dear creditors, who have been so patient and -long-suffering--I don't think!--God bless 'em. If you will keep it -open for say, another year--by which time I ought to have swindled -the Garage Anglais out of quite a decent sum--I shall be only too -delighted to come back and wipe the floor with you at billiards as -often as you like. Your notion that you can beat me is one of the -most pathetic instances of monomania I ever came across. - -Remember me to Guy, who I suppose is as frivolous as ever, and give -my love to any of the old crowd who are still knocking around. - - Yours ever, - JIMMY. - -Given from our place of hiding this third day of the fifth month in -the second year of our exile. - - -Tony read this letter through and then tossed it across to Guy, who -perused it in turn between mouthfuls of egg and bacon. - -"His troubles don't seem to have sobered him down at all," he -observed rather disapprovingly. - -"I hope not," said Tony. "A sobered down Jimmy would be a lamentable -object--something like an archangel with his wings clipped." - -"What he says is true enough, I suppose," pursued Guy. "At least it -only confirms what Congosta told us." - -Tony nodded. "Things are on the move all right," he remarked -complacently. "I am pretty sure Da Freitas meant to press the button -just as soon as the wedding was over. He must be tearing his back -hair over this hitch in the programme." - -"I am glad we have got Isabel away from the Spaldings," observed Guy, -handing back the letter, "I shan't feel really easy in my mind -though, until she is on board the _Betty_." - -"Well, it won't be long now," said Tony, "and anyway she is pretty -safe at Chester Square. Aunt Fanny is keeping her tight to the -house, and so far they haven't seen a sign of any one hanging about. -I really think we handed 'em the dummy all right, though it doesn't -do to be too sure about things with a gentleman like Da Freitas." - -"I wish we had some idea what he was up to," said Guy. "There is -something very trying about this uncertainty." - -"I have hopes of Molly," replied Tony, pouring himself out a second -cup of tea in an absent-minded fashion. "She rang me up yesterday -while I was out, and left a message that I was to come and see her -this morning without fail." He took a meditative sip, and then set -down the cup. "It's about time we heard something from Congosta -too," he added. - -Guy shrugged his shoulders. "I shouldn't put any faith in him. He -is probably playing his own game just as much as Da Freitas is." - -Tony looked at him sadly. "You get more cynical every day, Guy. I -believe in Congosta. No man could have such a beautiful faith in the -British Aristocracy unless there was some good in him." He pushed -back his chair and rose from the table. "I'm off to see Molly -anyway," he added. "I've a feeling that she has something exciting -to tell us, and a certain amount of excitement has become necessary -to my system. I can't get my afternoon sleep without it." - -"I wish you would try to be a little more serious," answered Guy in a -fretful voice. - -Tony paused at the door. "I do try," he said apologetically, "but -it's very difficult for a beginner." - -It was just a quarter past ten when Tony arrived outside Basil -Mansions, the big block of flats where Molly lived. He caught sight -of a clock as he pulled up the car, and it suddenly struck him that -in spite of the urgency of Molly's message, it was still rather early -to disturb her slumbers. He hesitated for a moment, and then decided -to fill in a little time by motoring on to the R.A.C. and calling for -his letters. - -Amongst the several clubs to which he belonged the latter was the one -at which he was accustomed to receive the largest number of -communications. The majority of them were trade circulars from motor -firms, and it was his custom to drop in at least twice a week and -commit them to the hall porter's waste-paper basket. - -Putting in his clutch he continued his journey, and was just rounding -the corner of Pall Mall, when he suddenly became aware of the -immaculately dressed figure of his cousin Henry striding briskly -along the pavement towards him in the direction of Whitehall. The -encounter was too sudden to admit of any strategy, so with a graceful -resignation to fate he brought the car to a halt. - -Henry came up with a look of surprise upon his face. - -"One doesn't often see you about as early as this," he observed. - -"You will in future," said Tony. "I have turned over a new leaf. I -find that all our successful statesmen have been early risers." - -"I am pleased to hear it," said Henry heartily. "I always thought -that if you ever took up politics it would make all the difference to -you." - -"It has," said Tony. - -There was a short pause. - -"Did you get that White Book about the Patagonia boundary dispute?" -inquired his cousin. - -Tony nodded. "I did," he said. "I haven't had time to read it all -yet, but it seems most interesting. Such good print too." - -"They get them up very well," said Henry. "I will send you round -some more as soon as you have gone through that. There is nothing -like a thorough grounding before you start work." - -"I wish you would," replied Tony. "I was half thinking of running -across to South America in the _Betty_ with Guy, and looking into -things myself for a few weeks. I should like to have some nice -interesting reading for the voyage." - -Henry looked at him in surprised approval. "I think that's a very -good idea," he said. "Laura will be extremely pleased when I tell -her, because it shows that you are taking the matter seriously." He -pulled out a little tablet from his waistcoat pocket and made a note -in pencil. "I will see if I can get you a few letters of -introduction to some of our people over there. I shall say of course -that you are just taking a voyage for your health." - -"That's about right," said Tony. "Thanks so much. I must be -trotting now, or I shall be late for an appointment." - -He waved a good-bye and started off the car again, while Henry, -putting back his memorandum tablet, continued his way to the Home -Office. - -Half an hour later, having disposed of the motor circulars and having -restored his energies with a brandy and soda, Tony set out again for -Basil Mansions. It was still only eleven o'clock, but Claudine, who -answered the bell, informed him that Molly was already up and -awaiting his arrival in the drawing-room. - -He found her as usual sitting at the piano, practising over a song. -She spun round on the stool at his entrance, and then jumped up with -both her hands outstretched. - -"Oh, Tony," she exclaimed, "I am so glad you have come." - -He waited until Claudine had closed the door, and then kissed her -carefully on the curve of her cheek. - -"I should have been here long before, Molly," he said, "but I was -afraid of waking you up. A good night's rest is so essential to -brain-workers." - -"I have been up ages," she replied. "I can never sleep when I am -excited or worried--at least not after nine o'clock." - -"What's worrying you?" he asked, settling himself on the sofa. - -She sat down beside him. "It's Peter," she said. "He was here -yesterday--yesterday afternoon. I rang you up directly he had gone." - -"Well?" inquired Tony. - -Molly took a deep breath. "He had come to say good-bye." - -Tony sat up. "What?" he demanded. - -Molly nodded her head. "He didn't admit it in so many words, but -that's what it came to." - -There was a short pause. - -"He must have more nerve than I gave him credit for," said Tony -slowly. - -"Oh, I don't mean good-bye altogether," said Molly with a little -laugh. "That isn't Peter's idea at all." She jumped up from the -sofa, and crossing to the writing-table in the corner opened the -drawer and took out something from inside. "Look at this," she said. - -"This," was a half sheet of stiff note-paper stamped in gold with the -Royal Livadian arms, and bearing two or three straggling lines of -writing, at the bottom of which sprawled a large irregular signature. - -[Illustration: Signature--Pedro R.] - - -Tony examined it with interest. "It looks very impressive," he said. -"What's it all about?" - -"It's a sort of pass," said Molly calmly, "like one gets for a -theatre, you know. It means 'do whatever the bearer wishes without -asking any questions.'" She took it back from him and slipped it -into the envelope which she was holding in her hand. "That would -take me anywhere I pleased in Livadia if Peter was king." - -"But what's the good of it now?" asked Tony. "Why has he given it -you?" - -Molly crossed to the writing-table, and putting the envelope back, -shut the door and locked it. - -"I will tell you exactly what happened," she said, coming back and -re-seating herself on the sofa. "Peter rolled up here about five -o'clock yesterday in a taxi--not in his car--just in an ordinary -taxi. I guessed there was trouble because when he does that it -always means that he doesn't want Da Freitas to find out where he's -been. Well, I gave him a drink, and he sat and talked for a bit in -his ordinary way, but all the time I could see that there was -something at the back of his mind--something he didn't quite know how -to say. At last he managed to get it out. He wanted to know if I -would trust him. If he had to go away suddenly, or if anything -happened which made it impossible for him to see me for a little -while, would I still believe that I was the only person in the world -he really cared about? I pretended to be very surprised and asked -what he expected to happen, but he wouldn't admit that there was -anything definite or certain. He talked vaguely about a king not -being his own master, and that he never knew from day to day when a -revolution mightn't break out in Livadia and that if it did his place -would be at the head of his people. Of course coming from Peter it -was all the silliest sort of poppycock, and any one who wasn't a born -idiot could have seen that he was keeping something back. However, I -let him think that I swallowed it all, and after a bit he lugged out -this paper and explained what it was. He said that if by any chance -he was called away to Livadia quite suddenly, the first thing he -should do, as soon as it was possible, would be to send for me. He -wanted me to promise that no matter what had happened I would come -out right away. I saw that he was in dead earnest and frightfully -excited about it, so of course I said I would, and that seemed to -quiet him down. Anyhow, he didn't talk any more about it, but I'm as -certain as I am that I'm sitting here that something's going to -happen, Tony, and damn soon too. You see I know Peter so jolly well." - -"It looks precious like it," agreed Tony thoughtfully. "I shouldn't -wonder if Da Preitas had changed his plans. Perhaps the battle of -Latimer Lane has shaken his nerve, and he means to cut out the Isabel -part of the programme and go straight ahead." - -"The battle of what?" demanded Molly. - -"Oh, I forgot you didn't know about it," said Tony. "We have been -having all sorts of quiet fun of our own up at Hampstead." He paused -for a moment to light himself a cigarette. "There's Jimmy's letter -too," he added; "only I think I had better begin by telling you about -the battle. There's nothing like doing things in their proper order: -it's the secret of all real success in life." - -"Drive ahead," said Molly encouragingly. - -Tony, who by this time was becoming quite an adept in the narrative, -again described the spirited little scuffle outside Mrs. Spalding's -house, and the subsequent transference of Isabel to the more peaceful -atmosphere of Chester Square. He wound up with a brief account of -how Lady Jocelyn had been fully taken into their confidence, and of -how they had decided on an immediate trip to South America as the -most promising solution to the problem. - -"I suppose you're right," observed Molly after a meditative pause. -"If she stops in London that pig Da Freitas will get hold of her -sooner or later, but I'm awfully sorry you're going, Tony. There is -no one else that I can even talk to about things." - -"I shan't be away so very long," said Tony comfortingly; "and it's -much the best thing for you as well as for us. Even if they go ahead -with the revolution, Peter isn't likely to marry any one else at -present. There would be all sorts of international ructions if he -tried to get a wife from another country, and anyway I shouldn't -think the throne of Livadia was a very dazzling prospect for a -foreign princess. At least, not according to what Jimmy says." - -"What _does_ he say?" asked Molly. "Can I see the letter?" - -Tony gave it her and, spreading it out on her knee she bent forward -and read it through carefully, her nicely pencilled eyebrows drawn -together in a thoughtful frown. - -"It's some letter," she observed, when she had finished, "but I don't -think it gets us much further, does it? I know the Livadians must be -a set of prize chumps or they wouldn't want Peter to be their king." -She folded up the sheet of paper and handed it back to him. "I -should like to meet Jimmy some day. He sounds all right." - -"He's a dear fellow," said Tony, putting back the letter in his -pocket. "In a way I like him better than any one except myself." He -got up from the sofa. "I shall come and see you again before we go, -Molly," he added. "I don't think there is any chance of our sailing -before next Tuesday. Aunt Fanny has got to invent a lie that will -satisfy the Dean of Ballingford, and that can't be done in a hurry." - -"Righto," replied Molly; "and let me know at once if anything -happens, or if there's anything I can do to help you. You know I -don't care a rap about the theatre: I would chuck it like a shot if -it was really necessary." - -Tony took her hands. "You're the best sportsman in London, Molly," -he said, "and it's a thousand pities you can't be Queen of Livadia. -You'd make a Hell of a good job of it." - -Molly laughed and shrugged her shoulders. "You bet I should," she -said crisply. "One can't be six years in musical comedy without -learning how to treat rotters." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -AN ARTISTIC FORGERY - -Spalding drew back the curtains with that slightly sacerdotal gravity -that distinguished all his professional actions, and then turned -towards Tony. - -"Mr. Oliver asked me to inform you, sir, that he will not be having -breakfast with you. He has to leave the house early on business." - -Tony arranged himself more comfortably amongst the pillows. "In that -case, Spalding," he said, "I think I shall break my good resolutions, -and have a cup of tea up here. I can't face the _Times_ and a -poached egg single-handed." - -"Very good, sir," observed Spalding, and retiring deftly to the lower -regions, he returned in a few minutes with a tray containing the -desired refreshment, a couple of letters, and a copy of the -_Sportsman_. - -Tony took a sip of the tea, lighted himself a cigarette from the big -silver box beside his bed, and then proceeded to investigate his -correspondence. - -The first letter was of a philanthropic character. It was from a -gentleman named Douglas Gordon, apparently of Scottish extraction, -offering to lend him any sum from £1,000 to £50,000 on his note of -hand alone. Laying it one side he picked up the other, which was -addressed in a solid, straightforward handwriting that he recognized -immediately as that of his skipper--Captain Simmons of the _Betty_. -Having as yet had no communication from the yacht, except for a wire -in reply to his, Tony opened it with some interest. - -It ran as follows: - - - May 7th, - S. Y. _Betty_, - SOUTHAMPTON. - -DEAR SIR ANTONY CONWAY: - -On receipt of your telegram I sent off a reply informing you that we -could be ready for sea any day after Thursday next. I trust this -duly came to hand, and that it will not be inconvenient to you to -wait until the date in question. Not expecting that you would be -needing the _Betty_ for some weeks I had given instructions for one -or two small jobs to be done in the engine-room, and the same were in -hand at the time of writing. - -In connection with this something rather curious has happened, which -I feel it my duty to bring to your notice. Two days ago a gentleman -came on board and asked to see me. He informed me that his name was -Hemmingway, and that he was a friend of yours. He presented one of -your cards with instructions written across it, apparently in your -handwriting, that he was to be allowed to look over the yacht. - -I showed him round, but in the middle of this I was called away to -speak with the harbour-master with reference to our moorings. While -I was engaged he continued his inspection of the vessel, visiting the -engine-room, which at that time was unoccupied. One of the crew saw -him go in, but knowing that I had been showing him over the ship, -didn't attach any importance to the matter. - -Later on, after he had gone ashore, Mr. McEwen discovered, almost by -chance, that an attempt had apparently been made to tamper with the -engines. Without going into details I may say that if they had been -started as they were, the damage would probably have been bad enough -to keep us in port for at least an extra week. - -I have gone fully into the matter, and it seems impossible that any -one else could have been responsible except this gentleman. I -thought therefore you ought to hear about it. - -I can only suppose that knowing nothing of marine engines he was -under the impression that he was performing some sort of a practical -joke. If so, and you will excuse my saying so, it seems to me to -have been an uncommon stupid and dangerous one. I don't suppose he -realizes what would have happened to him if Mr. McEwen or the second -engineer had happened to catch him in the act. I fancy he wouldn't -have wanted to be funny with any more engines--not this side of the -grave. - -Everything is now ready for sea, or will be by the date I gave you. -The necessary stores are coming on board, and some extra cases have -arrived from Harrod's and Fortnum and Mason's, which I suppose you -have ordered yourself in London. - -Hoping that you are keeping well, and with my respectful regards to -yourself and Mr. Oliver, - - I have the honour to remain, - Yours truly, - JOHN SIMMONS. - - -Tony laid down the letter on the bed, took a thoughtful pull or two -at his cigarette, and then, reaching up, pressed the electric bell, -which was answered almost immediately by Spalding. - -"Has Mr. Oliver gone out yet?" he inquired. - -"He left the house a minute or two ago, Sir Antony. I could perhaps -overtake him if you wished it." - -Tony shook his head. "You had better not try, Spalding," he said. -"You might drop dead from heart disease, and that would be very -inconvenient." - -"Quite so, sir," assented Spalding gravely. - -"You can turn on my bath instead," observed Tony. "I have to go to -Southampton." He threw back the bed-clothes and prepared to get out. -"You might tell Bugg and Jennings that I shall want to see them as -soon as I am dressed," he added. - -Gathering up the tray, Spalding departed on his errand, and in a -surprisingly short time for him Tony had completed his toilet, and -was descending the staircase. As he reached the hall the door at the -back opened, and Bugg appeared on the threshold. He came forward in -that noiseless fashion which had won him his famous soubriquet. - -"Mornin', Sir Ant'ny. Mr. Spalding says as you wanted to see me." - -"That's right, Bugg," said Tony. "Are you a good sailor?" - -"I dunno, sir," observed "Tiger" simply. "I ain't never tried--'cept -once at the Welsh 'Arp." - -"I am told that it can be very rough there at times," said Tony. He -paused, and looked thoughtfully at his devoted henchman. "How would -you like to come to South America on the _Betty_?" he inquired. - -Bugg's blue eyes lit up. "Not 'arf, sir." - -"Do you know where it is?" - -Bugg nodded. "Yes, sir. Where they gets the cocoanuts." - -"That's right," said Tony. "Well, we are going next week, at least I -hope so. Just four of us. Lady Jocelyn, Miss Francis, Mr. Oliver -and myself. There's plenty of room on board for you. Bring a set of -gloves, and we can have some sparring on the way over. It's just -possible we might be able to fix up a match in Buenos Ayres and pay -the expenses of the trip. I believe there are some very rash people -there, and they seem to have plenty of money." - -Bugg went off, beaming with satisfaction, and leaving the house, Tony -made his way up to the garage, where he found Jennings surrounded by -various portions of the Hispano's interior. It was an exceptional -morning when Jennings did not partially dismantle one or other of his -charges. - -"It had better be the Rolls, sir," he observed gloomily, on learning -that Tony desired to go to Southampton. "Both the others are pulling -something sickening. D'you want me to come too, sir?" - -"I think it would cheer me up," said Tony. "Besides, wouldn't you -like to see the yacht?" - -"Just as you please, sir," observed Jennings indifferently. "I don't -take much stock in boats meself. The dry land's good enough for me." - -Tony seated himself on the running-board of the Peugot, which was -also outside in the yard. "You have a happy and contented -temperament, Jennings," he observed. "I often envy you." - -Not receiving any reply to this compliment, he leaned back against -the door of the car, and lighting another cigarette watched Jennings -gathering up the fragments of the Hispano with that cold stoicism of -one unjustly afflicted by the Fates. He had been enjoying this -pleasant spectacle for several minutes, when a sudden sound of -footsteps attracted his attention. A moment later Spalding emerged -into sight round the corner of the bushes and advanced to where he -was sitting. - -"A gentleman has called, Sir Antony, and wishes to see you -immediately. I told him that I would ascertain whether you were at -home." - -"That was very tactful of you, Spalding," said Tony. "Who is it?" - -"Another foreign gentleman, sir. A Mr. Congosta." - -Tony got up at once. "Oh, yes," he said, "I will see him certainly. -Where is he?" - -"Not knowing the gentleman, Sir Antony, I thought it best to leave -him in the hall." - -Tony nodded his approval. "We'll be off as soon as you are ready, -Jennings," he said. "I may stay the night, so you had better bring -your things with you." - -Then, accompanied by Spalding, he made his way back down the drive, -and re-entered the front door outside which an empty taxi was ticking -away with remorseless energy. - -Señor Congosta, who was seated in one of the big leather chairs -scattered about the hall, rose up at their entrance. He bowed to -Tony, who at once came forward and greeted him with a hearty -handshake, while Spalding withdrew discreetly through the door at the -back. - -"I have been expecting to see or hear from you," said Tony in his -friendliest manner. "I have all sorts of interesting things to talk -to you about." - -Congosta cast a rapid glance round the hall, as if to make certain -that they were alone. - -"Her Royal Highness?" he demanded quickly. "She is safe?" - -"Safe as a church," replied Tony. "At least she was when I rang her -up last night." - -"But she is not with you. She has gone from where she was living?" - -"That's right," said Tony reassuringly. "Da Freitas found out the -address, so I thought a change of air would be beneficial. She is -staying with some friends of mine in Chester Square. They are taking -excellent care of her." - -A look of relief flashed into the Livadian's face. - -"It is well," he said, nodding his head. "I knew that we might trust -you." - -Tony pulled up a chair. "Sit down," he said, "and let's hear your -side of the story. I have been dying to know what's going on behind -the scenes." - -Congosta glanced swiftly at the clock on the mantelpiece. "Many -things have happened," he replied, "but there is not much time for -telling them. In a few minutes I must leave you again." - -"Well, one can tell quite a lot in a few minutes if one talks -quickly," remarked Tony hopefully. - -Congosta lowered his voice to a whisper. "The hour has struck," he -said. "Even now, while we stand here, the streets of Portriga may be -running in blood." - -"By Jove!" said Tony with interest. "Whose blood?" - -Congosta raised his hands in an expressive gesture. "There will be -much fighting. All over Livadia men will die for one cause or the -other. It will be the greatest civil war in the history of my -unhappy country." - -"That's saying something too, isn't it?" observed Tony. He paused to -offer his guest a cigar. "How do you know all this?" he asked. -"Have you heard from Colonel Saltero?" - -"Every day I have news," replied Congosta a little proudly. "We have -friends in many places--in the post-office, among the frontier -guards, everywhere! It is easy to send a cable of which the -government knows nothing." - -"Well, what has happened--exactly?" demanded Tony. - -Congosta took a long breath. "Da Freitas has given the signal. For -three days his followers have been making ready. All through the -North they have been arming themselves and collecting together in the -principal towns. It is the same with our people in the South." - -"But how about the Republican government?" inquired Tony. "Haven't -they anything to say to these happy gatherings?" - -"They have said what they could," replied Congosta grimly. "Half a -dozen of Da Freitas' agents have been seized and shot in Portriga, -and yesterday they arrested General Carmel da Silva, our chief -supporter and the richest man in Livadia. It was with his money that -we were making our preparations." - -"That's a nasty knock," said Tony sympathetically. "What are you -going to do about it?" - -"There is nothing to do," admitted Congosta with a fatalistic shrug. -"Fortunately we have a fair supply of arms and ammunition--for the -rest we must manage as best we can. In a few days there will be many -rifles without owners in Livadia." - -"And how about Pedro and Da Freitas?" demanded Tony. "Are they -joining in the fun or are they going to sit tight at Richmond and see -what happens?" - -Again Congosta glanced at the clock. "It is because I want the -answer to that question that I must leave you. Two days ago Da -Freitas bought or hired Lord Northfield's steam yacht, the _Vivid_. -She is lying off the Tower Bridge now, and so far as I know she is -ready to sail at any moment. One of my men is watching her, but I -dare not trust wholly anybody but myself. It is necessary that our -people should be informed the very moment that Da Freitas leaves -England." - -"Then you think he is going?" said Tony. "You think he has given up -the idea of getting back the Princess?" - -Congosta indulged in another shrug of the shoulders. "I cannot tell. -It may be that the revolution has come against his will--that he is -unable to control it longer. Even in that case I do not think he -will easily give up his idea of the marriage. It is one thing to -overthrow a government: it is another to take its place. It's only -as the husband of Don Francisco's daughter that Southern Livadia -could ever be persuaded to acknowledge Pedro." He paused. "You are -quite sure that you were not followed when you took the Princess -away?" - -"I am never quite sure of anything," said Tony, "especially with -people who purr and smile like Da Freitas does. All the same I think -we managed to dodge them. I took her a twenty-mile run in the car -first, and she has not been outside the house since she got to -Chester Square." - -"You have done well," observed Congosta with a kind of stately -approval. "Should our hopes be fulfilled your name will be honoured -for ever in Livadian history." - -"That will be jolly," said Tony; and then, as Congosta gathered up -his hat from the table, he added casually: "You will let me know at -once, I suppose, if there should be any news. I may possibly be out -of town to-night, but I shall be back in good time to-morrow. My -cousin, Guy Oliver, will be here in any case. You can speak to him -as freely as you would to me." - -Congosta nodded; and after shaking hands again warmly in the doorway, -entered the taxi, which disappeared rapidly down the drive. - -For a moment or two after his visitor had departed Tony remained -wrapped in meditation. Then crossing the hall he pressed the -electric bell for Spalding. - -"I am going to Southampton as soon as Jennings is agreeable," he -said. "You might put some pyjamas in a bag for me and shove them in -the car." - -Spalding departed on his errand, and walking thoughtfully to the -telephone, Tony asked the girl at the Exchange for Lady Jocelyn's -number. After waiting for several minutes, he was informed by a -contemptuous voice that it was engaged, and hanging up the receiver -he sat down at an old oak writing-table which filled up one of the -bay windows. Then, selecting a piece of paper and a pencil, he wrote -the following note to Guy. - - -MY DEAR GUY: - -I wish you wouldn't get up at such ridiculous hours. It's a very -unhealthy habit, and apart from that you brush all the dew off the -lawn, and leave me without any one to ask advice from. I wanted your -advice this morning badly. - -In the first place when I woke up, I got the enclosed letter from -Captain Simmons. I don't know how it strikes you, but it looks fishy -to me--very fishy. I have never heard of any one called Hemmingway, -and I have no recollection of writing such instructions on one of my -cards. Of course I might have done it when I was slightly -intoxicated, but then I haven't been even slightly intoxicated for -quite a long time. There are one or two pleasant fools among my -friends, but no one I can think of who would be quite such an idiot -as to try and break up the engines of the _Betty_. - -The alternative is what you might call an ugly one--Da Freitas! It -hardly seems possible, especially in view of my other news which I am -going to tell you in a moment, and yet who the devil else could it -be? If he has really dropped on to our notion of taking Isabel away, -it's a serious business--so serious that I am going to motor down to -Southampton straight away and find out all I can. Of course it isn't -the least likely that Da Freitas would have shown up in the business -himself, but I might get some useful information out of Simmons, and -anyway I can at least make certain that everything will be all right -for us on Thursday. - -My other news comes from Congosta. In spite of all the bitter and -unkind things you have said about him, he turned up here faithfully -this morning to report progress. It was some report too. According -to him the whole of Livadia by this time ought to be up to its ankles -in gore. Things began to move two days ago, and although there has -been nothing in the English papers yet, the odds are that the entire -crowd of them--Royalists, Franciscans, and Republicans--are now -pleasantly and usefully occupied in slitting each other's throats. - -Of course I asked him at once about Pedro and Da Freitas. They -haven't left England yet, but it seems that they have bought Lord -Northfield's steam yacht, the _Vivid_--and a beauty she is too--and -that she is lying in the Thames ready to push off at a moment's -notice. - -I admit that this doesn't look as if they could have had anything to -do with the _Betty_ affair, and yet it would a devilish odd -coincidence if anyone had tried such a trick. Besides, who on earth -would try it? Everybody loves me--apart from Da Freitas and Jennings. - -I have told Congosta as much as I thought was good for him. He knows -that Isabel is now in Chester Square with some friends of mine, -though I haven't given him the actual number. He seemed so pleased -and contented I thought it was a pity to drag in anything about our -South American idea in case he didn't approve of it. Also of course -I haven't said a word to him about Molly. I mention this because if -anything exciting happens while I am away, I have told him to roll up -and inform you. - -Jennings has just appeared outside with the car, and is scowling at -me so horribly through the window that I can't write any more. You -might, however, ring up Aunt Fanny and Isabel as soon as you come in -and give them my love, and let them know what's happened. I tried to -get on to them just now, but the girl at the telephone laughed me to -scorn. - -Your neglected and overworked cousin, - - TONY. - - -Having fastened this up, with Captain Simmons' letter enclosed, Tony -handed it to Spalding with instructions that he was to give it to Guy -as soon as the latter came in. Then getting into his coat, he -sauntered out through the porch and took his place at the wheel of -the car, Jennings settling himself sombrely in the seat alongside. - -The exact length of the journey from London to Southampton is stated -by the _Motor Guide_ to be seventy-four and a half miles. This, -however, must be due to an error of measurement on the part of the -editor, since with an hour for lunch at Basingstoke, Tony covered the -distance in three hours and fifty-two minutes, a feat which is -clearly impossible in view of the present speed limit of twenty miles -an hour. - -He pulled up at that excellent hotel, the Victoria, where he engaged -a couple of rooms for the night, and with the aid of a hot bath and a -large whisky and soda, removed such portions of the roadway as had -accumulated outside and inside his person. Then, leaving Jennings to -perform a similar service to the car, he lighted a cigar and started -off through the town in the direction of the Docks. - -The _Betty_ was lying out in the Roads, some little distance from the -shore. With her graceful lines, her snowy white paint, and her -gleaming brass-work, she presented as charming a picture as the eye -of an owner could desire to gaze upon. Tony contemplated her with -pride for a moment or two, and then availing himself of the services -of one of the small cluster of ancient mariners, who had been -hovering interrogatively round him, he set off in a dinghy, across -the intervening stretch of water. - -His advent was soon observed on board the yacht, and by the time he -arrived alongside, Captain Simmons was standing at the head of the -accommodation ladder waiting to receive him. The skipper, a short, -square-shouldered, grey-bearded man with honest blue eyes, greeted -his employer with a blend of pleasure and concern. - -"Well, I _am_ glad to see you, Sir Antony, but why ever didn't you -let me know you were coming? I'd have had the gig ashore ready for -you." - -Tony shook hands warmly with him, and then turned to greet Mr. -McEwen, the chief engineer, who came shambling up from below with a -gleam of welcome showing through a forest of red whiskers. - -"I don't like having the gig waiting for me," explained Tony. "It -always makes me feel as if I was Sir Thomas Lipton." - -They remained chatting for a moment or two, and then moved off across -the deck, Tony stopping to exchange a word or two with various -members of the crew, who all saluted him with the friendly grin of -old acquaintance. It was not often that there was a new hand on -board the _Betty_. - -Captain Simmons led the way to his own cabin, where the time honoured -ceremony of drinking a toast to the ensuing season having been duly -discharged, he proceeded to add some further details to the brief -report of his preparations that he had already sent along by post. - -"I think you'll find everything nice and shipshape by Thursday, Sir -Antony," he finished with a touch of self-pride. "Not knowing -exactly where we were bound for I may have allowed a bit too much -margin on the stores, but then I wasn't expecting those packages you -sent from London." - -"It's an error in the right dimension," observed Tony contentedly. -"We are thinking of going to Buenos Ayres to start with, and I always -find the Atlantic very stimulating to one's appetite." - -"Buenos Ayres!" repeated the skipper with interest. "And a very nice -run too, sir." He turned to the chief engineer. "Just about twenty -days out--eh, Mr. McEwen?" - -The latter shifted his cigar to the corner of his mouth, and nodded -gravely. - -"Aye," he remarked; "though it might have been another tale if we -hadna' found out the fule's work that veesitor friend o' yours was up -to in the engine-room, Sir Antony.' - -"Ah!" said Tony: "that's one of the things I wanted to ask about. -What sort of a person was he?" - -There was a moment's pause. - -"What sort of a person!" repeated the skipper. "Do you mean that you -don't know him--that you didn't give him that card?" - -"I have never heard of him in my life," said Tony tranquilly. - -With a strange noise, such as a tiger would probably make if somebody -trod upon his toe, Mr. McEwen turned to the skipper. - -"Did I no tell ye that the mon was an impostor?" he demanded -excitedly. - -Fumbling in his waistcoat pocket, Captain Simmons produced a dirty -and crumpled visiting card, which he held out to Tony. - -"It's only a chance that I didn't tear it up," he observed rather -grimly. - -Tony took the card which, despite its dilapidated appearance, had -every appearance of being one of his own. He was just able to make -out the following half obliterated message scribbled across it in -pencil. - - - Mr. Hemmingway is a friend of mine. - Please allow him to look over the _Betty_. - A.C. - - -"I don't wonder it took you in," he said, with a tinge of admiration. -"It's a most artistic forgery." - -Mr. McEwen drew a deep breath. "My God!" he said softly; "I'm -wishing I'd found him in the engine-room. I'd have broken him in -twa." - -"It's a pity you didn't," said Tony. "I should probably have been -able to recognize one or other of the bits." He turned to Captain -Simmons. "What was he like, and what did he do--exactly?" - -The skipper, who was a man of slow speech, pondered for a moment -before replying. - -"He was right enough to look at in a way--well dressed and all that -sort of thing. A youngish, darkish sort of fellow--might have had a -touch of the Dago about him, but he spoke English as well as you or -me. As for what he did--well, Mr. McEwen can tell you that best." - -"I'd had the head off one o' the cylinders," burst out the Scotchman, -"an' there she was put back in her place, but no screwed down. What -did the black-hearted Jezebel do, but drop in a spanner, a nine-inch -steel spanner that would ha' jarred the head o' the cylinder to -Gehenna if so be we'd screwed her doon wi'oot takin' a look inside." - -"Have you any idea who he was, Sir Antony?" inquired the skipper -anxiously. - -"I think I know where he came from," replied Tony. He got up from -his seat, and for a moment or two stared thoughtfully out of the -skipper's port-hole. - -It seemed evident beyond doubt that the mysterious "Mr. Hemmingway" -could have been none other than an agent of Da Freitas, and for the -first time since he had light-heartedly entered upon his adventure -Tony felt a sudden slight sense of misgiving. There was a touch -about this latest effort of the Marquis that suggested unpleasant -depths of knowledge and resource on that gentleman's part. It seemed -hardly probable that he would have instigated an attempt upon the -_Betty's_ engines, unless he had a very shrewd idea of the use to -which that vessel was shortly to be put. If this were so, the -situation was some way from being as simple and safe as it had -previously appeared, and with a sudden determination Tony resolved to -take his companions into his confidence. - -"I think you ought to know the facts of the case--both of you," he -said. "It's quite on the cards I might be running you into trouble -or even danger, and I don't think we included that in our agreements, -did we?" - -The skipper stroked his beard. "One can't include everything," he -remarked; "eh, Mr. McEwen?" - -"I'm no sayin' I've any great objection to eether," observed the -latter cautiously; "not in good company." - -"Well, you shall hear," said Tony; "and then you can judge for -yourselves." - -In as few words as possible he gave them a brief outline of the -situation, starting from his original meeting with Isabel in Long -Acre, and bringing the story down to Congosta's visit to Hampstead -that morning. As a convincing narrative it gained rather than lost -by this compression, for the mere facts, however crudely stated, had -a dramatic grip about them that needed no embellishment or -elaboration. - -Both the skipper and Mr. McEwen listened to him with silent -attention. It was a story which any one might have been pardoned for -receiving with a certain amount of surprise or even incredulity, but -neither of their faces showed any trace of their natural emotions. -On the contrary they appeared to accept the entire narrative as -though it were the sort of thing that might reasonably be expected to -happen to any yacht owner of average experience. - -It was Mr. McEwen who was the first to break the ensuing silence. - -"I'm thinkin' that ye've done a guid act," he said gravely. "'Tis no -business for a young lassie to be stuck up on a throne over a parcel -o' murderin' Dagoes." - -Captain Simmons nodded his assent. "You can rest your mind easy -about the yacht, Sir Antony. There'll be no one else come on -board--not till you arrive yourself." - -"How about the crew?" suggested Tony. "Ought they to be told -anything?" - -"I'm inclined to think it would be injudeecious," put in Mr. McEwen. -"Not that they would be makin' any deeficulties--they would gae to -Hell to oblige you, Sir Antony--but mebbe 'twould gie 'em a sense o' -their own importance that's no desirable in a crew. What do you say, -Captain Simmons?" - -Again the skipper nodded. - -"Well, that all seems satisfactory enough," observed Tony cheerfully. -"I am sure I am very much obliged to you both." He poured himself -out another drink and lifted the glass. "Here's to the voyage," he -said, "and may every owner have as sporting a lot of officers as I've -got." - -"Here's to the voyage, sir," said Captain Simmons, following his -example, "and proud and glad to be of any assistance to you." - -Very gravely Mr. McEwen reached for the whisky bottle. "Here's to -the voyage, gentlemen," he repeated, "and God send that we meet the -mon who put that spanner in my cylinder." - -* * * * * * * - -It was close on eight o'clock by the time Tony returned to the hotel. -He had some dinner in the big, sparsely populated restaurant, and -then sending out a message by the waiter to Jennings, invited that -sunny-souled mechanic to come up and play him a game of snooker in -the billiard-room. - -With the exception of backing losers, snooker was Jennings' only -human weakness, and on occasions when he and Tony were away together -at a hotel he would so far relax his dignity as to oblige his -employer in this unprofessional fashion. They played two games, both -of which Jennings won--a circumstance which caused him so much -satisfaction that he received Tony's instructions to have the car -ready at eleven the next morning with what only just escaped being an -amiable bow. - -Despite the somewhat disquieting manner in which his suspicions about -the attempt on the _Betty_ had been confirmed, Tony managed to pass a -very comfortable night. He dressed himself leisurely in the morning -and strolled down to the dining-room about ten o'clock, where he -instructed the waiter to bring him some China tea and a grilled sole. - -A copy of the _Daily Mail_ was lying on the table beside his plate, -and in the casual fashion of one who is waiting for breakfast he -opened it out in front of him at the centre page. As he did so a -series of bold, heavily-leaded headlines leaped into view that -brought an involuntary exclamation from his lips. - - REVOLUTION IN LIVADIA - - FIERCE FIGHTING AT PORTRIGA - - REPORTED FLIGHT OF PRESIDENT - - -In a second the grilled sole and everything else had vanished out of -his mind and he was eagerly scanning the following announcement. - - -By a cable from Paris received shortly before going to press, we -learn that yesterday evening a revolution broke out in Livadia, which -appears already to have attained wide-spread proportions. So far, -information is scanty, for the telegraph wires over the frontier have -been cut, and the cable station at Portriga is in the hands of one or -other of the belligerents. - -It appears, however, that the revolt started simultaneously in the -neighbourhood of Vanessa and also in the Capital. At both places the -Royal Standard was raised by a strong party of King Pedro's -adherents, and in both instances the Republican government seem to -have been taken more or less by surprise. Vanessa is said to be -entirely in the hands of the Royalists, who have also succeeded in -occupying the greater part of Portriga. - -The situation is complicated by another revolt in the South, where -the partisans of the late Don Francisco, the Pretender, have also -seized the opportunity to assert their claims. A strong force, under -the leadership of General Almaida, is reported to be marching on the -Capital, where the Republicans and the Royalists are still engaged in -bitter and sanguinary street fighting. It is rumoured that the -President has already left the country. - -From inquiries at Richmond we learn that King Pedro and the Marquis -da Freitas are still in England, but in response to numerous -invitations they have so far declined to issue any statement to the -Press. - -All further details available will be found in the first edition of -_The Evening News_. - - -Having read this interesting announcement through slowly and -carefully, Tony laid down the paper and sat back in his chair. - -So Congosta had been right! Underneath all the rather penny coloured -plotting and cheap melodrama that had surrounded Isabel's story, a -savagely real piece of European history had been silently coming to -fruition. He had never doubted the fact himself, but somehow or -other those flaming head-lines in the _Mail_ suddenly brought it home -to him with a vivid reality that had hitherto been wanting. It was -as if the buttons had come off the foils, and what had hitherto been -an entertaining fencing match had turned abruptly into a thrilling -and dangerous duel. - -With a pleasing sense of elation he drew up his chair, and prepared -to face the grilled sole that the waiter was just bringing in. - -"You might tell my chauffeur," he said, "that we will start back at -half-past ten instead of eleven." - -The waiter went out with the message, but a couple of minutes had -hardly elapsed before he came back into the room bearing a telegram -upon a small tray. - -"If you please, sir," he said, "one of the sailors from your yacht -has called with this. He is waiting in the hall in case you want -him." - -With a certain feeling of surprise Tony laid down his knife and fork, -and slitting open the buff-coloured envelope, pulled out its contents. - -They were brief and distinctly to the point. - - -Isabel has disappeared; fear the worst; come back immediately. GUY. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -A DECOY MESSAGE - -Guy must have heard the car turning in at the drive, for as they drew -up in front of the house, he flung open the door and stepped out to -meet them. He looked white and haggard in the bright morning -sunshine. - -"You got my wire?" was his first remark. - -Tony, who was at the wheel, nodded his head, and climbed stiffly out -of his seat. Hardened as he was to rapid driving, he felt something -like a momentary reaction now that the return journey had been -accomplished without disaster. - -"Come into the house, Guy," he said. "You look like an advertisement -for Sanatogen." - -They entered the hall, where Tony took off his coat and threw it -across the back of one of the chairs. - -"Now," he said. "Tell me all about it." - -"Da Freitas has got hold of Isabel," said Guy, making an effort to -speak quietly. "She left Chester Square at nine o'clock this -morning, and we have heard nothing of her since." - -There was a brief pause. - -"Go on," said Tony. "How did it happen?" - -"It was my fault," answered Guy with a sort of harsh bitterness, "at -least very largely it was. I spent practically all yesterday with -Debenham trying to fix up about the Stanley estate. It was -absolutely necessary to get the thing settled before we left England. -Finally I went back to dinner at his house, and I didn't get home -here till nearly one-o'clock. Spalding had left your letter in my -bedroom, but somehow or other--I was tired out and half asleep I -suppose--I managed to overlook it, I had left instructions I wasn't -to be waked up till nine o'clock this morning, and when Spalding came -to call me, there was your letter on the dressing-table." - -He paused. - -"Directly I had read it I went down-stairs and rang up Chester -Square. The housemaid answered the telephone, and said that Isabel -had just left the house, and that Aunt Fanny was still in bed. When -I asked if Isabel had mentioned any reason for going out so early, -she said that Spalding had rung up a quarter of an hour before and -said that you wanted Miss Francis to come over here in a taxi as soon -as possible. Well, of course, I guessed there was something wrong at -once. I sent for Spalding, and as I expected, he told me that he -hadn't been near the telephone all the morning. I was getting really -frightened now, so I told the girl to put me through to Aunt Fanny, -who has got another receiver in her bedroom. Then it all came out. -Somebody, who pretended to be Spalding, had rung up at about twenty -to nine and asked for Isabel. He had said you wanted her here, and -that she was to take a taxi along as soon as she could manage it. -Isabel evidently hadn't the faintest suspicion that it wasn't all -right. Aunt Fanny was asleep at the time, and she wouldn't allow her -to be waked up. She had just put on her hat and got into a taxi that -was waiting a little way down the Square, and that's the very last -that any of us have heard of her." Guy's voice shook, but with an -effort he managed to control it. "They've got her, Tony," he added -despairingly. "I would have given my right hand to have stopped it, -but what's the good now? They've got her, and we shall never see her -again." - -Tony laid his hand on his cousin's shoulder. "My dear old Guy," he -said quietly: "it wasn't your fault. If any one has been to blame, -it's me." He took a couple of turns across the room and came back to -where Guy was standing. "Hang it," he said ruefully. "I had no idea -I was so fond of Isabel." - -Guy looked up at him with a rather twisted smile. "I knew you would -find it out eventually, Tony," he said. "It's a pity it's happened -too late." - -"Too late be damned," observed Tony calmly. "Even if Da Freitas has -got hold of her, do you imagine I am going to let him keep her? I -know now that I want Isabel more than anything else in the world. I -have always been accustomed to have what I want, and it's a very bad -thing to change one's habits suddenly at my age." - -Guy made a kind of hopeless gesture with his hands. "But what can -you do?" he demanded. "You have seen the papers this morning--you -know what's happening in Livadia? The odds are they will take her -straight over there and marry her to Pedro right away." - -"Then I shall go over and fetch her back," replied Tony firmly. "I -am not going to allow any silly old-fashioned ideas about the -sanctity of marriage to interfere with my life's happiness." - -Guy opened his mouth to speak, but he was suddenly interrupted by the -grinding scrunch of a second motor pulling up abruptly outside the -house. Almost at the same moment the bell rang with a prolonged -violence that echoed up from the basement. - -"I rather think that must be Congosta," said Tony. - -He crossed the hall, and pulling back the latch, opened the front -door. - -The visitor was Señor Congosta, but his most intimate friends might -have been pardoned if for a moment they had failed to recognize him. -Hatless, dishevelled, and with a long smear of blood at the corner of -his mouth, he looked as if he had been taking part in a rather -closely contested Irish election. - -"So!" he observed, drawing himself up and glaring at Tony, "you have -betrayed me." - -Tony stepped towards him. - -"Don't be silly," he said. "Come along in and sit down." - -He thrust his arm through the Livadian's, and before the latter could -protest he had brought him to a chair and practically pushed him into -it. "You had better have a drink right away," he added. "You look -done to the world. Get the whisky, will you, Guy?" - -Guy started off to do as he was asked, and before the disgruntled -Señor had properly recovered himself Tony turned back to him with a -disarming smile. - -"Sorry to have been so snappy," he said. "I suppose you have just -found out about Isabel, and of course you would think we were -scoundrels--naturally." - -With an effort Congosta managed to regain his power of speech. - -"You know what has happened?" he demanded hoarsely. "You know where -she is?" - -"I have just heard that she was decoyed away from Chester Square by a -false telephone message at nine o'clock this morning. For the moment -I have no idea where she is. If I had I shouldn't be sitting here." - -"Then you shall know!" gripping the arm of the chair, Congosta bent -forward towards him. "She is a drugged and helpless prisoner on the -_Vivid_. By now she is half-way down the Thames on her way to -Livadia." - -There was a second's pause, and then Guy reappeared from the -dining-room with the whisky and soda. - -"Do you hear that, Guy?" said Tony. "Señor Congosta says that Isabel -is on board the _Vivid_, and that they have already started for -Livadia." - -Guy came up and put down the tray he was carrying. - -"I knew it," he said hopelessly. "We shall never see her -again--never." - -"And whose fault is that?" demanded Congosta, striking the arm of the -chair with his fist. "Did you not promise me that she should be -safe? Did I not leave the honour of my country in your hands?" - -"You did," said Tony, "and we have let you down with a bump." - -He splashed some whisky and soda into a glass and held it out to the -Livadian, who sat there glowering at them both with angry suspicion. - -"Come, Señor," he added persuasively, "drink that up and you'll feel -better. Whatever else we do, it's no good quarrelling amongst -ourselves." - -Congosta, who really did appear to be badly in need of it, gulped off -a couple of mouthfuls of the stimulant, and set down the tumbler. - -"Now listen to me," said Tony, speaking very slowly and quietly. "I -admit that things look queer and I admit that you have every right to -feel suspicious. But there has been no treachery. You can get that -idea out of your head right away. I moved Isabel to Chester Square -because I thought it was the safest place she could be in. We took -every precaution, and I haven't the faintest motion how Da Freitas -found out her address. It has been just as big a smack in the eye to -us as it is to you." - -Either the drink or else Tony's unwonted earnestness evidently -brought some sort of conviction to the visitor. Once again his -shattered faith in the British aristocracy seemed slowly to revive, -and rising to his feet, he bowed stiffly to his two companions. - -"Gentlemen!" he said. "I spoke hastily. I ask your pardon." - -"If there is any apologizing to be done," said Tony, "it's up to me. -I have underrated Da Freitas all through in the most fatuous way--and -this is the result!" - -Congosta reseated himself. - -"Please tell me exactly what happened this morning," he said. - -"Somebody rang up the house in Chester Square and pretended to be my -butler," answered Tony. "He said that I wanted Isabel to come here -at once in a taxi. Unfortunately the lady she is staying with was -still asleep, and instead of waking her up and asking her advice, -Isabel seems to have gone straight outside and got into a taxi that -was waiting in the Square. That's the last we have heard of her." - -Congosta nodded. "I can give you the rest of the story," he said. -"For three days I have rented a little room close to an empty -warehouse opposite to where the _Vivid_ was lying. There is a wharf -just below where any one would start from if he wished to reach the -vessel. Always there is someone in that room--I or another--watching -and waiting. Last night, late and in the dark, a cart came down with -luggage and packages. They took them on board, and I knew then that -Da Freitas' plans were ready. Very early this morning they began to -get up steam on the yacht. I stayed there, watching from the window, -and at ten o'clock a boat put off with four men in it. They were all -Livadians--one I knew well by sight. I had seen him at Richmond with -Da Freitas. When they got to the wharf, they came ashore and -fastened up the boat. They were evidently expecting someone, because -two of them took it in turns to watch, while the others went across -the roadway to drink." - -Congosta paused, and taking out his handkerchief pressed it against -his lip. - -"Just before midday," he went on, "a big closed car came quickly -along the lane and pulled up at the wharf. There was no one about at -the moment except the four sailors. I saw Pedro open the door and -get out, and then almost before I could realize what was happening -there was my Royal mistress, drugged, helpless, hardly able to -stand--with the Count on one side of her and Da Freitas on the other." - -He stopped again and took in a long breath. - -"I think for a little while I was mad. It would have been better, -far better, if I had not shown myself. Then I could have got away -quickly and something might still have been arranged. But for the -moment I was so full of rage and disappointment that I did not know -what I was doing. I only remember running downstairs--my mind made -up that I would kill Da Freitas. Then I was amongst them; and had it -been any one else my knife would have been in his heart before they -could have stopped me. But I think that black, smiling devil cannot -be surprised. Even as I flung myself at him, he dragged the Princess -in front of him, and I could not strike for the fear that I might -hurt her. Then in a moment I was beaten to the ground. I fought -bravely--splendidly, but what could I do against six men? I must -have been stunned by the blow on the head from behind, for I remember -nothing more until I came to my senses again in the small wide shop -across the street. Someone had found me lying on the wharf, and they -had carried me in there thinking that I was dead." - -Once more he stopped, and reaching out a rather shaky hand for the -tumbler finished off the whisky and soda. - -"Are you badly hurt?" asked Guy, who had been listening to the -narrative with a mixture of amazement and concern. - -Congosta put his hand to his forehead. "It is nothing serious. Only -my head aches very much. I think they would have killed me if it had -not been for my hat." - -"Let's have a look," said Tony. "I know a little about cracked -skulls." - -He came round to where Congosta was sitting, and bending over the -latter's chair, very carefully parted the hair at a place where it -was matted with congealed blood. - -"It's a nasty bump," he said sympathetically; "but I don't think -there is any real damage done. You must have a very good hatter." - -"Shall I fetch some hot water and bathe it for you?" suggested Guy, -getting up from his seat. - -Congosta raised his hand protestingly. "It will wait," he said with -a certain grimness. "What we are speaking of will not." - -Tony seated himself on the arm of the opposite chair. "Go on," he -said. "What happened when you came round?" - -"For a little while," continued Congosta, "I could remember nothing. -Then suddenly it all came back to me, and somehow the shock seemed to -make me strong again. The people in the wine shop wished to send for -the police, but I would not let them. Instead I paid them to get me -a taxi. I had made up my mind that first I would come to you, and -that I would find out the truth. I could see from the window that -the yacht had already moved from her moorings, and I knew that it was -now too late for anything except to warn my friends in Livadia. -That--and to be revenged upon you, if you had betrayed me." - -There was a pause. - -"It's horrible to be so helpless," said Guy with a sort of groan. -"Is there nothing that we can do? I suppose there would be no chance -of getting them held up for an hour or two at Southend?" - -"What for?" asked Tony languidly. - -"There's--there's this assault upon Señor Congosta." - -The latter shook his head. "It would be useless," he said. "I know -well that your government will be only too pleased that they have -gone. The police would not be allowed to interfere even if they -wished to." - -"But we must do something," exclaimed Guy almost fiercely. - -Tony got up from his seat. "I know what I'm going to do," he said. -"I am going to follow them to Livadia." - -For an instant both of them stared at him without speaking. - -"But how do you expect to get there?" demanded Congosta -incredulously. "The steamers from England are stopped, and all the -frontier is in the hands of Da Freitas' soldiers. No one will be -allowed to enter the country until the Revolution is over." - -"That doesn't matter to me," said Tony. "I have a private yacht of -my own." - -The news seemed to produce a remarkable effect upon Congosta. - -"A private yacht!" he repeated, rising abruptly to his feet. "And -you mean what you say? You mean that you will sail for Portriga -now--immediately--at once?" - -"Well, say to-morrow morning," suggested Tony. "That will give us -time to get on board first." - -By now all Congosta's headache and exhaustion seemed magically to -have vanished. - -"My friend!" he ejaculated fervently, "my dear Sir Antony! You may -yet be of the truest service to my unhappy country." - -"But look here!" broke in Guy, who had also risen from his chair and -was gazing from one to the other of them. "This is all very well, -but what on earth's the use of it? Even if we got to Portriga you -don't suppose we should have the faintest chance of being able to do -anything!" - -"I don't like looking too far ahead," said Tony. "It shows a lack of -trust in Providence." - -Congosta wheeled round excitedly to Guy. "Señor!" he exclaimed. "I -assure you that you may yet save Livadia." He turned back to Tony. -"You have seen this morning's paper? You know the truth about what -has happened?" - -"I have seen the _Daily Mail_," said Tony guardedly. - -"So! That is right, what they have written, but there is later -news." He thrust his hand into his breast pocket, and dragging out -some papers, selected a crumpled cable form, which he opened with -shaking fingers. "Even now General Almaida is in Portriga. He holds -the whole town south of the river." - -"Do you mean that you're in communication with them?" demanded Guy. -"I thought all the wires had been cut." - -"We were not without our preparations," returned Congosta with a -vindictive smile. "The way is still open. It will not be closed so -long as General Almaida is undefeated." - -"And how long is that likely to be?" asked Tony. - -Congosta drew himself up. - -"Señor!" he replied dramatically. "It rests with you." - -There was a short pause. - -"Well?" said Tony encouragingly. - -"There are two things in which our brave army is lacking--ammunition -and money. If we can help them with these----" - -Tony nodded. "What's the idea--exactly?" he asked. - -Congosta took a step forward, his dark eyes gleaming with excitement. -He began to speak in a low, rapid voice. - -"A week ago, by the instructions of General Almaida, I gave an order -to one of your English houses for a supply of cartridges. The money -was to have been sent to me, and we had arranged a plan for getting -them safely across. Had the revolution not broken out they would now -be on their way. As it is--!" he made a quick expressive gesture -with his hands--"The money has not come, and even if I could pay -there is no vessel that could take them to Livadia." - -He paused for breath. - -"We haven't a cargo license for the _Betty_," said Tony, "but I don't -know that it really matters." - -Congosta came nearer still. "You will do it," he gasped. "You will -lend us this money? You will take the cartridges on your yacht?" - -Tony nodded again. "Why, of course," he said. "It's the least I can -do after losing Isabel in that careless fashion." - -With an exclamation of joy Congosta seized hold of his hand, and -commenced wringing it violently up and down. - -"My friend," he exclaimed with tears in his eyes. "How can I ever -thank you?" - -"But Good Heavens!" interrupted Guy, drawing in his breath. "Do you -realize what this means? -It's--it's--filibustering--piracy--buccaneering----" - -"Is it?" said Tony--"what fun! I have always wanted to be a -buccaneer ever since I was thirteen." He disentangled himself with -some difficulty from the clutches of Congosta. "Don't worry, Guy," -he added, "you needn't be mixed up with it in any way." - -"What!" For a moment Guy's indignation rendered him almost -speechless. "Do you suppose I am thinking of myself? Do you imagine -I shall desert you--now--at this time?" - -"There is not the danger that the Señor fancies," broke in Congosta -with a kind of feverish eagerness. "Listen! I will explain!" He -turned to Tony. "You have heard of Braxa?" - -"I don't think so," said Tony regretfully. "You see I was educated -at Eton." - -"It is a fishing village--a small fishing village and harbour twenty -miles south of Portriga. The people there are different from most of -my countrymen. They are all fishermen, and they do not concern -themselves much with politics." - -"It sounds just the sort of quiet and sensible place one would like -to visit," observed Tony. - -"So! You understand what I mean!" Congosta's excitement became -almost painful to witness. "You are on a voyage of pleasure! You -come into the harbour in your yacht. My people will be expecting -you. In an hour the cartridges will be on shore, and then--" he -paused and the same vindictive smile gathered in his eyes, "there may -yet be a little hitch in the clever plans of the Marquis da Freitas." - -"It's a great idea," said Tony admiringly. "So simple and safe! Why -we needn't even land if we don't want to." - -"But what would be the good?" began Guy. - -He got no further, for he suddenly caught sight of his cousin's face, -as the latter looked round at him, and its expression dried up the -question that he was about to utter. - -"These cartridges," inquired Tony, turning back to Congosta with his -previously serene air. "How long do you think it would take to get -them to Southampton?" - -"There need be no delay," replied the Livadian. "It is only a -question of the money. As soon as they are paid for I can arrange -for them to be sent down on motor lorry. They would go to-night." - -Tony nodded approvingly. "And how about your message to Livadia? It -won't be an easy thing to explain. None of your people have ever -heard of me except Colonel Saltero, and I don't think I impressed him -very favourably." - -Congosta dismissed the objection with a wave of his hand. - -"You may leave that to me," he said. "I assure you that before he -left England Colonel Saltero was convinced of your good faith. I -shall arrange that it is he who will meet you at Braxa to receive the -cartridges." - -"But won't you be coming with us?" asked Guy. - -Congosta shook his head. "I must stay in London," he answered -regretfully. "It is General Almaida's wish. Should our party win it -is necessary that there should be someone here to obtain recognition -from your government." - -"Quite so," said Tony; "quite so." He lighted himself a cigarette, -and took a couple of thoughtful paces up and down the hall. Guy did -not speak again, but watched him with a strained apprehension that -showed itself visibly in his face. - -"Tell me," said Tony, coming back to where Congosta was standing. -"Could you get a message through to any one in Portriga?" - -Congosta looked faintly surprised. "I cannot say. It is possible. -It would depend perhaps upon what part of the town they were in." He -paused. "Why do you wish to know?" - -"I am a little bit anxious about a friend of mine," said Tony -frankly. "He has been running a motor company in Portriga for the -last two years, and from what he has told me I am afraid that he has -made one or two rather awkward enemies--business enemies, you know. -They are not the sort of crowd to miss a chance like this, and just -in case he was in difficulties, I should like him to know that the -_Betty_ was coming to Braxa. Then if he wanted to slip out of the -country quietly he could." - -Congosta accepted the explanation in what appeared to be perfectly -good faith. - -"I understand," he said. "You shall give me your friend's name and -address, and then if our people can reach him you may be sure that he -will get your message." - -Tony walked across to the writing-table and seated himself in the -chair. - -"That's good," he said cheerfully. "One doesn't like to leave a pal -in the lurch--especially in Livadia." - -He took a sheet of paper from the case in front of him, and in his -best handwriting copied out the following address. - - - SEÑOR JAMES DALE, - Garage Anglais, - Praca D. Porto, - Portriga. - - -"I think it would be simplest," he said, "if you just told him that -the _Betty_ was expected at Braxa in two days' time. He would -probably like to see me, even if there's nothing the matter." - -Congosta took the paper and glanced at its contents. - -"If the thing is possible it shall be done," he repeated. - -Tony put his hand in his pocket and pulled out his cheque book. - -"And now let's get to work," he observed. "I shall be pretty busy if -we are going to sail to-morrow morning, so I think I had better leave -the cartridge business entirely to you. I will give you an open -cheque on my bank, and you can cash it on your way back." - -Congosta nodded his approval. "That will be the easiest plan," he -said. "Then I can also make the arrangements for sending them off." - -"'Steam yacht _Betty_, Southampton,' will be enough address," -continued Tony, writing the cheque as he spoke. "I will wire my -captain instructions to be on the lookout for them." He blotted the -slip and handed it to Congosta. "I don't know what they will come -to," he added; "I have made the cheque out for four thousand." - -Congosta gazed with surprised awe at the little piece of pink paper -in his hand. - -"Four thousand pounds?" he repeated slowly. "But it will not be so -much as that!" - -"Never mind," said Tony, getting up from his chair. "Ask for the -rest in gold and bring it back here. We can take it along with us. -If your people are as hard up as you say, I daresay a few English -sovereigns will come in useful. They are a wonderfully effective -weapon with Royalists as a rule." - -Congosta folded up the cheque reverently, and put it away in his -pocket. Then he picked up his hat. - -"Señor!" he exclaimed with a tremble of emotion in his voice. "Again -I offer you the thanks of my country. It is only in England that -such splendid generosity is possible." - -"There's nothing to thank me for," said Tony cheerfully. "It's my -own stupidity and carelessness I'm paying for--that's all." He -accompanied Congosta across the hall and opened the front door for -him. "We shall expect you back here some time this afternoon," he -added. - -The Livadian nodded. - -"I shall return as soon as I have arranged about the cartridges," he -said. "It is best that I should not send the message until we know -for certain what time you will be able to start." - -Once more he clasped Tony's hand and shook it fervently, and then, -after giving some instructions to the driver, he stepped into the -waiting taxi, and was whirled off down the drive. - -Tony came back into the hall, and closed the door. As he did so he -caught sight of a note lying at the bottom of the letter-box, and -taking it out discovered that it was addressed to himself. - -"And now," broke out Guy, who had apparently been restraining himself -with difficulty; "perhaps you'll tell me if you are really in -earnest." - -Tony slit open the envelope and pulled out its contents. - -"Of course I'm in earnest," he answered. "I was never so--" He -paused abruptly, and his lips screwed themselves up into a sudden low -whistle of amused amazement. "By Jove, Guy!" he exclaimed; "look at -this!" - -He held out the sheet of note-paper, and then thrusting his hands -into his pockets, watched his cousin's face as the latter read -through the following missive. - - -MY DEAR SIR ANTONY CONWAY: - -I much regret that I was unable to find time to say good-bye to you -before leaving England. - -You have a proverb I believe in your delightful language to the -effect that he laughs loudest who laughs last. You will now be able -to appreciate its profound truth. - - Always yours sincerely, - DA FREITAS. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -THE ROYAL PASS - -Guy read it through and then looked up with a sort of incredulous -bewilderment. - -"When did this come?" he asked. - -Tony shrugged his shoulders. "My dear Guy--I don't know any more -about it than you do. I suppose someone must have put it in the -letter-box while we were having our pleasant little chat with -Congosta." - -"But--but--" He stared at it again in frowning uncertainty--"Good -Heavens, Tony!" he exclaimed, "do you mean to say that Da Freitas -took the trouble and the risk of sending you this while he was -actually--?" He broke off as if unable to complete the sentence. - -"Looks like it, doesn't it?" said Tony cheerfully. "My respect for -the Marquis increases every hour--in fact I'm beginning to feel quite -fond of him." - -Guy's lips tightened into an expression of restrained exasperation. - -"Look here, Tony," he began with forced calmness. "For goodness' -sake let's get this thing quite clear. Did you really mean what you -said to Congosta?" - -Tony took back Da Freitas' note, and put it carefully in his pocket. - -"I meant most of it," he replied. "I am going down to Southampton -to-night, and I shall start for Livadia the moment the _Betty_ is -ready to sail." - -Guy knew him well enough to understand that for once he was speaking -in absolute sincerity. - -"You mean to fight then? You are going to join this man--what's his -name--General Almaida?" - -There was a short pause. - -"Somehow or other," said Tony, "I am going to get Isabel back. It's -no good asking me exactly how I shall do it, because at the present -moment I don't know. The only thing I have quite made up my mind -about is that I shall either come back with her, or else I shan't -come back at all." He looked up smilingly at Guy. "Now you -understand what I meant when I said I didn't want to drag you into -it." - -A faint flush mounted into Guy's naturally pale face. - -"Do you think I am a coward, Tony?" he inquired very deliberately. - -"Of course not," returned Tony. "Any man who has a cold bath as you -do every morning must be brave. Still that's no reason why you -should run a quite unnecessary risk of getting shot--especially as -you have disapproved of the whole business ever since the start." - -"Who could help disapproving of it?" burst out Guy feelingly. "It's -the maddest and most impossible affair in which any sane person was -ever mixed up." He paused as if to recover himself. "All the same," -he added quickly, "I should like to come with you, Tony, if you think -I could be of any use." - -Tony patted him approvingly on the shoulder. "Any use!" he repeated. -"Why, my dear old Guy, I would rather have you with me than the Seven -Champions of Christendom. I am sure you would be a lot more reliable -in a really tight corner." - -"Have you got any sort of a plan at all?" inquired Guy a little -hopelessly. - -"Well, I've an idea," said Tony. "It's hardly a plan yet, but it may -be by the time I get back." - -"You're going out?" - -Tony nodded. "I shan't be long, and meanwhile you can fix up the -arrangements here. In the first place I want you to get on to -Simmons on the telephone. You had better ring up the Grand Hotel, -Southampton, and say you're me, and ask them very prettily and nicely -if they'll send round someone to fetch him from the yacht. Tell him -that we are coming down to-night or early to-morrow morning--you and -I and Bugg--and that he must be ready to start directly we arrive. -Say that we have changed our minds about South America and that we -are going to Braxa instead." - -Guy stepped to the table and made a note of these instructions. - -"Anything else?" he inquired. - -"Nothing more," replied Tony. "Just see that Spalding packs our -things, and that Jennings has the car ready--the Rolls of course. -Any spare time you have after that I should devote to making your -will." - -He picked up his coat off the chair on which it was lying. - -"Where are you going to?" asked Guy. - -There was a short pause while Tony lighted himself a cigarette. - -"I am going to a matinée," he said, "at the Gaiety Theatre." - -For a moment Guy stared at him in amazement. - -"A matinée!" he repeated. "What on--" Then suddenly light seemed to -dawn on him. "Why, of course, that girl--Molly Monk--I had forgotten -her." He paused. "Do you think she can be of any help?" - -Tony walked to the door. "She might lend us a sheet of note-paper," -he said. "Anyhow I mean to ask her." - -If there is one profession in this world more likely than the rest to -induce a certain slight cynicism with regard to human motives, it is -probably that of being stage door-keeper at the Gaiety Theatre. When -therefore a quarter of an hour later, Tony presented his card at the -open pigeon-hole with a request that he might see Miss Monk -immediately on a matter of urgent importance, the uniformed gentleman -inside contented himself with a weary smile. - -"I'll send it up, sir," he remarked, "but between ourselves it ain't -no good. The Guv'nor don't allow visitors in the dressin' rooms--not -while the show's on." - -Tony, who had been fingering a sovereign, laid it down beside the -card. - -"What a pity!" he replied thoughtfully. - -At the sight of the gold piece the janitor's world hardened face lit -up with an expression that was almost beautiful. - -"I'll take it up meself, sir," he observed hastily, climbing down -from his stool. "Of course if it's a matter o' urgent importance--" -He emerged from his rabbit hutch, card in hand, and pushing open a -swing-door disappeared from view up a winding flight of stairs. - -After a decent interval he returned with the air of one who has -triumphed over great odds. - -"S'orl right," he remarked in a confidential whisper. "She's orf -now, sir. You foller me, sir." - -He conducted Tony up the stairs, to the first landing, where he -tapped cautiously on the second door he came to. It was opened at -once by a secretive looking lady, who appeared to be lunching on -pins, and at the same moment Molly's voice remarked with its usual -pleasant distinctness: "If that's you, Tony, come along in." - -Complying with the request Tony found himself in a small, brightly -lit apartment, the principal furniture of which appeared to be a vast -mirror, a long narrow dressing-table, a comfortable easy-chair, and -an inspiriting collection of foamy undergarments, suspended from a -row of pegs. - -In the chair sat Molly. She was dressed in the simple and practical -costume of a milkmaid, as visualized by producers of musical comedy. -It consisted of a charmingly décolletté creation of white muslin and -blue ribbon, completed by a large "baby" hat, a skirt that just -reached her knees, white silk stockings and high-heeled shoes. - -"Oh, Tony!" she exclaimed; "thank goodness you've come." Then -turning to the dresser she added kindly: "You can shove off, Jane. I -want to talk to him alone." - -Acting on the hint the lady of the pins withdrew from the room, and -hardly waiting until the door had closed behind her, Molly jumped up -from the chair. - -"Have you anything to tell me, Tony?" she asked in a voice that shook -a little with excitement. "I know nothing yet except what I've seen -in the paper. I have tried to ring you up twice, but----" - -"How long have you got now?" inquired Tony. - -She glanced at the little silver clock on the dressing-table. - -"About ten minutes. Then I have to go on and sing a song, and after -that there's the interval." - -"I can tell you everything I know in ten minutes," said Tony, "if -there are no interruptions." - -Molly moved quickly to the door and turned the key in the lock. - -"Fire ahead," she observed. - -A week earlier Tony would have found it quite impossible to crowd the -somewhat eventful history of the last twenty-four hours into the -short time at his disposal. Practice, however, had been improving -his powers as a story-teller, and without omitting any really -important detail, he actually accomplished the feat with something -like a minute and a half to spare. - -Molly was certainly an excellent audience. Standing motionless at -the door, her lower lip caught tight between her white teeth, she -listened to him with rapt attention that never wavered or varied. -Even when he had finished she still remained silent for a moment; -then with a sudden movement she came towards him, her blue eyes -shining with excitement. - -"Tony," she said, speaking with a sort of forced calmness, "are you -absolutely serious about following them? Do you really mean to sail -for Braxa to-night?" - -"I do," replied Tony with quite unusual sobriety. "You see I have -just found out that I am really fond of Isabel, and I don't see any -other possible chance of getting her back." - -"Do you think this is a possible chance?" She put the question with -an earnestness that robbed it of any suggestion of sarcasm. - -"Well, it's a bit thin," admitted Tony frankly, "but after all one -never knows." He paused. "To a certain extent, Molly," he added, -"it depends upon you." - -She drew in her breath sharply. "Me?" - -Tony nodded. "You're my trump card," he said encouragingly. "You -know that signed pass our friend Peter was obliging enough to give -you--the one which he said would take you anywhere if he ever got -back to Livadia as king?" - -"Yes," said Molly slowly. - -"Well, if you're not using it for the moment," continued Tony, "I'd -be awful obliged if you'd lend it to me. If it will really do half -of what he said it would it might come in devilish handy." - -There was a moment's pause, and then a clatter of footsteps came -hurrying down the passage outside, and someone rapped loudly on the -door. - -"Miss Monk, please," shouted a shrill and penetrating voice. - -Molly looked round in the direction of the summons. - -"All right, Charles," she called out tranquilly: then turning back -she took a momentary glance at herself in the long mirror that hung -against the wall. - -"I shall be up again in a minute or two, Tony," she said, skilfully -smoothing out a disordered ribbon. "Have a cigarette, and don't -worry yourself about the pass. That will be quite all right." - -"You'll lend it to me?" exclaimed Tony gratefully. - -Molly paused on the threshold and looked back at him with a sort of -mischievous elation. - -"No," she said. "I won't lend it to you; but I'll bring it with me." - -And with this somewhat staggering announcement she opened the door -and disappeared from view. - -Whatever effect her remark may have had upon Tony, he appeared to -have recovered from it fairly successfully by the time that she -returned. At all events she found him reclining in the easy-chair, -enveloped in cigarette smoke, and looking precisely as comfortable -and unruffled as when she had left him. - -"Was your parting shot serious, Molly?" he asked in that pleasantly -serene voice of his. - -As he spoke he got up from the chair, and Molly, who was a little out -of breath, dropped into the vacant seat. - -"It was," she said; "dead, absolute serious. If you want Peter's -letter you'll have to take me with you to Livadia." She paused and -looked up at him. "Say yes, Tony," she added almost fiercely. -"Don't you see that I mean it." - -Tony who was gazing down at her with a sort of dispassionate -admiration, nodded his head. - -"I see you mean it all right, Molly," he said quietly; "but it's a -bit of a bomb-shell you know. This won't be exactly a healthy trip -if we happen to mess things up." - -Molly leaned across to the dressing-table and helped herself to a -cigarette. - -"Tony dear," she observed. "I know I'm a musical comedy actress, but -it doesn't necessarily follow that I'm a complete idiot. I -understand perfectly that we're taking on about as risky and hopeless -a job as any one could possibly tackle. If Da Freitas finds out I -should think the odds are about twenty to one that neither of us will -ever come back." She struck a match and lighted her cigarette. "Now -are you satisfied?" she inquired. - -"Well, you seem to have a fairly sound grip of the situation," -admitted Tony. "Still that doesn't make it any the less of a large -order." He paused. "Good Lord, Molly, why it's madness--stark -staring madness!" - -"I don't see it," returned Molly obstinately. "A wife's place is by -her husband's side--especially when he has run away with another -woman." - -In spite of himself Tony laughed. "But supposing we reach -Livadia--suppose we actually get into Portriga--what can you do even -then?" - -"What's the good of asking me that?" demanded Molly. "I don't know -any more than you do--not till the time comes. The only thing is--" -She broke off, as though not quite sure how to continue. - -"Well?" said Tony encouragingly. - -"It's just an idea--nothing else at present, but--but you have told -me several times that this girl and I are almost exactly alike." - -Tony nodded. He was staring at her with a sudden expression of -freshly aroused interest. - -"Well, don't you see?" Molly threw away her cigarette and rose to -her feet. "Surely it's just possible that somehow--by some sort of a -chance--we might be able to make use of this to help us." She -laughed almost hysterically. "Oh, I know it sounds wild and mad, but -what notion have you got that's any better?" - -Tony took a couple of paces to the door, and back to where she was -standing. - -"By Jove, it's an idea, Molly!" he said slowly. "If we could get you -there without being found out----" - -"I have thought of that," she interrupted. "I was thinking of it all -the time I was on the stage." She paused. "Tony--you remember that -song I was singing a couple of years ago--the one in which I used to -dress up as a curate?" - -He nodded. - -"Well, I've still got the things I wore--the clothes and the wig and -the spectacles--in fact the whole get-up. It was so good that once, -just for a joke, I went out into the street in it. I walked the -whole way down the Strand, and not a soul spotted that there was -anything wrong." - -The old gleam of mischievous amusement leaped into Tony's eyes. - -"Good Lord, Molly!" he said. "And you propose to take the trip--in -those?" - -"Why not?" she demanded. "I can carry it through all right--really -and truly I can. After all there's no reason you couldn't have a -curate on board, is there?" - -"None at all," said Tony. "Oh, none at all." He leaned against the -wall and began to laugh, gently and joyously. - -Molly faced him with shining eyes. "Then you'll take me?" she -exclaimed. - -Again Tony nodded his head. "I'll take you, Molly," he answered, "if -it's only for the sake of seeing Guy's face." - -There was another clatter and shuffle of footsteps outside, and the -voice of the call-boy came echoing down the passage. - -"Beginners, Act two, please!" - -Tony stopped laughing. "How about your work? How about your part -here at the theatre?" he asked. - -"Oh, damn the theatre," said Molly simply. "I've got a very good -understudy, and they'll have to put up with her." She glanced again -rapidly at the clock. "Listen, Tony--we've got exactly two minutes, -and then I must start changing. I shall have to have the dresser in, -and we can't talk in front of her. Tell me now--right away--just -what you want me to do." - -For a moment Tony reflected rapidly. - -"I think the best plan will be for you to motor down with me," he -said. "I can send Guy and Bugg in one car with Jennings, and call -for you at your place with the other. I shan't tell Guy anything -about it until you're safe on board." - -"Why?" asked Molly. "Do you think he'll mind?" - -"I am sure he will," said Tony cheerfully. "But it will be too late -for him to do anything then unless he tries to throw you into the -sea." He paused. "Can you be ready by nine-thirty sharp?" - -Molly nodded. "I won't keep you waiting," she said. - -There was a knock at the door, and having been granted permission to -enter, the secretive looking dresser reappeared on the scene. - -"Beg pardon for hinterrupting, Miss," she observed apologetically, -"but it's time you was startin' to change." - -"Quite right, Jane," said Molly. She turned to Tony and held out her -hand. "Well, thanks for coming and looking me up, Tony," she added. -"See you again quite soon, I hope." - -Tony raised her hand and kissed the tip of her fingers. "Why, yes," -he said; "we'll probably run across each other before long." - -* * * * * * * - -It was just twenty minutes later when Lady Jocelyn's pretty -parlourmaid opened the door of the drawing-room at Chester Square, -and in a slightly agitated voice, for such a well trained retainer, -announced the arrival of Sir Antony Conway. - -Tony, who had followed hard upon her heels, came straight up to the -sofa, where, as usual, his aunt was sitting. She looked older and -very frail, and her thin hands trembled a little as she stretched -them to greet him. - -"Tony!" she exclaimed, "my dear boy!" - -He sat down beside her, holding her hands in his. - -"Aunt Fanny," he said severely; "you have been breaking my rules. -You know that you're never allowed to look unhappy or worried." - -"It wasn't altogether my fault it happened, Tony," she said. "I -would have given my stupid useless old life twice over to have -stopped it." - -In a tender, half jesting fashion he slipped his arm round her. "You -mustn't talk like that, Aunt Fanny dear," he said. "In fact you -mustn't talk at all. You must just sit still and listen to me. -There is no time for anything else." - -Lady Jocelyn clasped her hands in her lap. "Go on," she said quietly. - -All the way from the Gaiety to the house, Tony had been pondering in -his mind just how much of the truth it would be advisable to tell. -Knowing his aunt, he was not afraid that she would try to dissuade -him from his purpose, however dangerous it might appear; he was -merely anxious to present it in as favourable a light as possible, so -as to spare her any avoidable anxiety. - -With this idea he omitted all reference to the attempt upon the -_Betty_, confining himself entirely to a description of Congosta's -visit. He repeated the latter's story of what had happened to -Isabel, and went on to relate how the plan for a possible rescue had -been promptly and happily conceived. By means of a little judicious -colouring he was able to make it appear a far more feasible -proposition than when it had originally presented itself in the hall -of Goodman's Rest. - -Of his subsequent visit to the Gaiety he said nothing at all. -Molly's presence on board the _Betty_ in the guise of a curate might -or might not be of assistance, but from the point of view of -inspiring confidence in the enterprise, it seemed to be one of those -features which were better suppressed. - -Lady Jocelyn listened to him without interruption. Her face betrayed -nothing of what she was feeling, and for a moment after he had -finished speaking, Tony was under the impression that his well meant -efforts had been entirely successful. Then, with her faint kindly -smile, she laid her hand upon his sleeve. - -"Thank you, Tony dear," she said. "It was good of you to come and -tell me all this, and it was nicer still of you to have told it in -the way you have. Of course I don't really believe you. I am quite -sure it's a much more dangerous business than you make out, but as -long as there is the shadow of a chance of helping Isabel I should be -the last to try and dissuade you. Go, Tony, and do what you can for -her; and God bless you and help you." - -There was a short pause, and then Tony bent forward and kissed her. - -"I am glad you love Isabel," he said simply. - -"She is the sweetest and bravest girl I have ever known," answered -Lady Jocelyn. "If you can't save her from this marriage, Tony, I -think it will break my heart." - -Tony got up from the sofa, and buttoned his coat. - -"Don't you worry about that, Aunt Fanny," he said. "Peter won't get -her--not if I have to shoot him at the altar rails." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -JIMMY DALE - -"That," said Captain Simmons, "is Braxa." - -He pointed out ahead to where the desolate-looking sandy coast that -they had been skirting for some hours rose suddenly into an irregular -line of hills and cliffs. - -"If you have a look through these," he added, "you'll be able to see -the entrance to the bay." - -Tony, who was standing beside him on the bridge, lightly clad in blue -silk pyjamas and a Norfolk jacket, took the proffered glasses and -levelled them in the direction indicated. In the bright early -morning sunshine he could plainly make out the small opening in the -coastline, behind which a number of pink and white houses could be -seen straggling picturesquely up the hillside. - -"It looks a very nice place," he said generously. "How long do you -think it will take us to get there?" - -Captain Simmons glanced at his watch. "We shall make the point in -about three quarters of an hour," he said. "We ought to be at anchor -by half-past nine." - -"In that case," said Tony, "I shall go and have some breakfast. I -shall be much too excited to eat eggs and bacon when we're once in -the harbour." - -He left the bridge, and after pausing for a moment on the warm deck -to take another appreciative glance round at the sunlit expanse of -blue sky and foam-flecked sea, he pursued his leisurely way down the -main companion to his cabin. - -A quarter of an hour later he emerged again looking very cool and -comfortable in a well cut suit of grey flannels. Nothing would ever -induce him to adopt a more conventional form of yachting costume; his -own explanation being that white duck and blue serge invariably made -him sea-sick. - -As he passed along the passage on his way to the saloon, a cabin door -swung open and someone stepped out almost into his arms. It was -Molly, but any one who could have recognized the fact without being -told so must have possessed an extraordinary acuteness of perception. - -As far as outward appearance went she was as sound and convincing a -curate as the most fastidious vicar could possibly demand. Even the -cleverest actresses, when they dress up as men, nearly always betray -the fact in a dozen ways, but except for a certain delicacy of -feature, there was absolutely nothing about her to arouse the -faintest suspicion. With her gold-rimmed spectacles and her smoothly -brushed and amazingly natural wig, she looked a perfect specimen of -that rather fragile type of young clergyman, who is apt to stir a -tender and half maternal passion in the hearts of middle-aged -spinsters. - -Tony, who had had forty-eight hours in which to become accustomed to -this masterpiece, stopped and gazed at her in fresh and profound -admiration. - -"It's marvellous, Molly," he observed, "absolutely marvellous! Every -time I look at you I feel exactly as if I was going to say grace." - -She laughed and in a rather unclerical fashion, slid her arm through -his. - -"Well, come along and do it then," she said. "I'm quite ready for -breakfast." - -They made their way to the saloon, where they found Guy already -established, and the steward in the very act of bringing in the -coffee. Guy's face was a little pale--the result of a slight attack -of seasickness on the previous day, and disapproval which had been -stamped firmly on it ever since he had found out that Molly was to -accompany them on the trip. - -"Do you know," said Tony, as they seated themselves at the table, -"that in an hour's time we shall be at anchor in Braxa Harbour?" - -There was an exclamation from both his companions. - -"I didn't realize we were as near as that," said Guy. - -"Why didn't you tell me before?" demanded Molly. "I should have gone -up on deck to have a look." - -"I thought you had better have your breakfast first," said Tony. -"It's very bad for one to get excited on an empty tummy." He helped -himself handsomely to eggs and bacon. "Besides we must be very -careful how we show ourselves at present. The skipper says there's a -coast-guard station at the entrance to the bay, and if it's still in -working order they have probably got us under observation already." - -"Do you think they'll want to come and search us when we reach the -harbour?" asked Guy a little apprehensively. - -Tony shrugged his shoulders. "That's what they're there for," he -said; "but when there's a revolution and two or three civil wars -buzzing about, people are apt to get a little careless in their work. -Anyhow I'm not worrying myself about that. Our dear old friend -Colonel Saltero is expecting us, and you can be quite sure he doesn't -mean to have his cartridges mopped up by any one else." He paused to -refill his cup. "What I'm thinking about is Jimmy," he added. "It -will make all the difference in the world if Jimmy can only manage to -get on board before the Colonel does. We shall have some sort of a -notion where we are then." - -"I shouldn't think there was much chance of it," observed Molly. - -"You never know," said Tony hopefully. "There's a lot of resource -about Jimmy. A money-lender once spent six weeks trying to serve a -writ on him, and he couldn't do it even then." - -There was a knock at the cabin door, and in answer to Tony's "Come -in," one of the crew presented himself on the threshold. - -"If you please, Sir Ant'ny," he began, "the Captain's compliments, -and there's a party o' the name o' Dale signallin' to us from a small -cutter to starboard. Says 'e's a friend o' yours, sir. The Capt'n -wants to know if we shall stop and pick him up." - -There was a dramatic pause, and then Tony wheeled round in his chair -so as to face the speaker. - -"Pick him up!" he repeated. "Why I should think so, Jackson. Pick -him' up tenderly--touch him with care. Tell Captain Simmons I'll be -up on deck myself as soon as I've finished this piece of bacon." - -With a grin and a salute, the sailor departed, and turning back to -the table, Tony gazed triumphantly at Guy and Molly. - -"Well, my children," he observed; "what did uncle tell you?" - -Molly pushed back her plate. "It was a put-up job, Tony," she said, -"you knew he was there." - -"I didn't," retorted Tony, "on my honour. There wasn't a boat of any -kind in sight when I was on the bridge. I feel it's a sign that -Providence approves of us." - -Molly looked at him and saw that he was speaking the truth. - -"Well, we've started," she said with a little triumphant laugh. "Can -I come up with you?" - -Tony shook his head. "I think you had better lie low for the -present," he answered. "You're the Queen of Trumps in this game, -Molly, and we don't want to play you too soon." - -Molly looked a trifle disappointed, but she raised no objection. -"All right," she said obediently. "I'll save myself up for the King." - -Tony rose from the table. "I'll bring Jimmy down as soon as he's on -board," he said. "You had better get out the whisky and soda. He's -sure to be hungry." - -He left the cabin, followed by Guy, and making his way up the -companion, stepped out on to the smooth and spotless deck. - -The _Betty_ had slowed down almost completely and only a faint ripple -in her wake showed that she was still moving. Hove to, a little -distance ahead, lay a small cutter of about seven tons, from which a -dinghy with a couple of men on board was just putting out. - -They rowed rapidly across the intervening water so as to cut off the -yacht, and timing it to perfection reached their destination just as -she was practically ceasing to move. An accommodation ladder had -been let down over the side, and Jimmy, a stout and happy looking -young gentleman who was crouching in the bows, grabbed hold of it -neatly as it came alongside. The next moment he had scrambled on -board, and the boat with its solitary occupant was drifting away -astern. - -"Once aboard the lugger--" observed the newcomer in an -extraordinarily soft voice, and then with a faint chuckle he stepped -forward and clasped Tony's outstretched hand. "Hope I haven't come -too early?" he added cheerfully. - -Tony wrung his hand, and taking a pace backwards surveyed him with an -affectionate approval. - -"My dear Jimmy," he said. "You come like the flowers in May." - -"And I may mention," added Jimmy, transferring his grip to Guy, "that -I come after a prolonged and distressing drought." - -Tony smiled happily. "I have ordered breakfast for you," he said. -"We will go straight down, as soon as I have introduced you to the -skipper." - -Captain Simmons, who had left the bridge, was advancing along the -deck towards them. - -"This is my friend Jimmy Dale, Captain," said Tony. "He is one of -Portriga's most distinguished citizens." - -"That so?" said the skipper extending a huge brown paw. "Glad to -meet you, Mr. Dale. Perhaps you can tell us what's going on ashore, -and whether we're likely to hit any trouble if we run straight in to -Braxa." - -"I shouldn't think so," replied Jimmy in his soft and pleasing voice. -"As far as I know all the able-bodied officials in Braxa have pushed -off to Portriga to join in the looting. I believe there are one or -two policemen left, but I don't suppose they are awake yet." - -"We won't disturb 'em," said the Captain. "We'll come in nice and -quiet, and let 'em have their nap out. Do you know the harbour at -all, Mr. Dale?" - -"Pretty fair," said Jimmy. "I've been out fishing in it a good -number of times." - -"Well, perhaps when we get round the Head you wouldn't mind coming up -on the bridge. I've never been in here before, and there might be -one or two points I'd be glad of a little information about." - -"I'll bring him along," said Tony. "How soon will he be wanted?" - -"Oh, there's no hurry," replied the Captain genially. "Plenty o' -time for a good breakfast. We shan't be off the Head for another -twenty minutes yet." - -He turned to retrace his steps, and after offering Jimmy a cigarette, -Tony started to lead the way below. - -Molly was still sitting at the table when they entered the saloon, -and at the unexpected sight Jimmy's good-natured countenance betrayed -a momentary surprise and embarrassment. - -"Ah, I forgot to tell you we had a friend with us," said Tony easily. -"Let me introduce you. The Reverend Mr. Monk--my old pal Jimmy Dale." - -They shook hands gravely--an action which proved nearly too much even -for the sedate Guy, who turned away hastily to hide his expression. - -"Dear old James," said Tony. "It's so nice to see you again. Have -some eggs and bacon?" - -Jimmy sat down at the table and automatically pulled the whisky and -soda towards himself. - -"I'll have anything that's going," he replied obligingly. "But what -I should like best of all are a few explanations. At present I feel -as if I was taking a small part in a cinematograph film." - -He squirted a modest supply of soda into his tumbler, and accepted -the well supplied plate which Molly handed across to him. - -"You shall have everything in a minute if you are good and patient," -said Tony encouragingly. "To start with, however, there are one or -two questions that we want to ask you. You mayn't be aware of it, -Jimmy, but at the present moment you are a very valuable and -important person." - -"I felt it," said Jimmy; "I felt it directly I stepped on board." He -took a deep and apparently much welcome drink, and set down the -tumbler. - -"We want you to tell us," went on Tony, "exactly what's been -happening in Livadia since the day before yesterday. We know all -about the beginning of the Revolution, but we are not quite -up-to-date with the last part." - -"The day before yesterday," repeated Jimmy thoughtfully. "Let's -see--that was Thursday, wasn't it? There's been such a lot of blood -and noise and free drinks about that I've got a bit mixed up in my -dates." He paused to take a large mouthful of egg and bacon. -"Thursday," he continued a little indistinctly, "was just about the -brightest and breeziest day we've had. It was the morning that -Almaida made his big attack on the Royalists, and they were scrapping -from eight o'clock until three or four in the afternoon. They would -have gone on longer, only all the wine shops had been cleaned out by -then and everybody was so thirsty that they had to stop." - -"And what happened?" asked Guy. "Who got the best of it?" - -"Well, I suppose it was more or less of a drawn battle," returned -Jimmy indifferently. "Almaida managed to cross the river and bag the -railway station and the Town Hall, but as they'd both been burned to -the ground I don't suppose he got much for his trouble. It was quite -a merry little romp while it lasted though." - -Tony reached across for the whisky and helped himself to a companion -peg. - -"What did you do in the great war, Daddy?" he inquired. - -"Me!" said Jimmy. "Oh, I was a very good little boy. I hoisted the -Union Jack, and stopped in my own house, and when any one tried the -front door I fired at them out of the window. I don't think I hit -anybody--I'm such a putrid shot with a revolver." - -"Well, you did your best," said Tony consolingly, "and that's all -that really matters." - -Jimmy shook his head. "I used up a lot of cartridges," he objected, -"and they cost no end of money out here. Besides I should like to -have slaughtered just one Livadian. One doesn't often get the chance -of doing such a good turn to humanity." - -"But how about the Revolution?" broke in Guy a trifle impatiently. -"What happened after the fighting came to an end?" - -"Oh, the fighting didn't come to an end," returned Jimmy. "It was -only the battle. People went on shooting each other privately all -night, and next morning there was some sort of an attempt at another -general engagement. It was nothing like Thursday, however, because -both sides were running short of ammunition. However, I thought it -seemed healthier indoors, so I stayed where I was until about three -o'clock, when I suddenly noticed that the shooting was beginning to -stop, and that the people were gathering together into groups and -jawing and jabbering like a lot of monkeys. I guessed that something -had happened, so I loaded up my revolver and shoved on a hat, and -tootled out into the sunshine." - -He paused to select a cigar from the case which Tony was holding out -to him. - -"Almost the first person I ran into," he went on, "was a man I -happened to know. I asked him what was up, and he told me that there -was a report all over the town that Pedro and Da Freitas had just -arrived from England with Don Francisco's daughter, and that she and -the King were going to be married at once. Well, of course, that put -the hat on everything so to speak. Whatever Almaida's private -notions may have been, he was nominally fighting to make this girl -Queen of Livadia, and if she was really going to be married to Pedro, -the whole thing was nothing but a damned farce." He coughed and -turned to Molly. "Sorry, Padre," he added apologetically. "Forgot -you were here." - -Molly inclined her head gravely, and once again Guy turned away to -conceal his emotions. - -"Go on, James," said Tony in a reassuring voice. "You needn't be -afraid of shocking Mr. Monk. He has been chaplain to a bishop." - -"There's not so very much more to tell," said Jimmy. "At first, of -course, most of Almaida's people thought it was just a bluff on the -part of the Royalists--a sort of trick to try and upset 'em and then -catch 'em on the hop. By six o'clock, however, posters and bills -began to be shoved up all over the place. No one seemed to know who -was doing it, but there they were as large as life, saying that the -marriage would come off in the Cathedral on Sunday morning, and -calling upon all the Franciscans to lay down their arms. I was -coming back home, when I found one of them stuck up on the -post-office wall, almost exactly opposite my house. I stopped to -have a look, and while I was reading it a chap came sidling down the -street and pulled up alongside of me. He was a pretty average -looking sort of scoundrel, with a dirty bandage round his head -instead of a cap. I could see that he was squinting at me out of the -corner of his eye, and I was just wondering whether I'd better move -on quietly or plug him hard on the jaw, when he suddenly asked me in -a hoarse whisper if I was the Señor James Dale. I told him I was, -and then to my utter astonishment he gabbled out some message to the -effect that you were coming to Livadia and that the _Betty_ was -expected at Braxa early this morning. It fairly took my breath away -for a minute, and before I could ask him a single question some more -people came round the corner of the street, and he skidded off like a -rat when it sees a terrier." - -Tony laughed softly. "Have another drink, James," he suggested. -"I'm sorry to have given you these nervous shocks, but we were rather -pressed for time." - -"Oh, I rallied all right," said Jimmy, helping himself to a second -peg. "It was a bit of a thunderbolt for a moment, but knowing your -taste in amusements I realized at once that it was just the sort of -time you would choose for a pleasure trip to Livadia. Of course I -hadn't a notion how you had managed to get the message through to me, -but after all that didn't really matter. The great thing was to get -to Braxa in time to meet you." - -He paused to refresh himself. - -"How did you manage it?" inquired Guy. "I suppose there are no -trains running or anything of that sort." - -"The only thing that's running in Livadia at the present moment is -blood," returned Jimmy cheerfully. "Fortunately for me, however, I'd -got a car. I sneaked it out of the garage quietly on Monday when the -trouble started, and I had it locked up in a sort of out-house at the -back of my place. I knew, of course, that I hadn't a dog's chance of -getting out of the town with it on my own, so without fooling around -I went straight off to the British Consulate, which is quite close to -where I live. I managed to get hold of Watson himself, and he gave -me a letter saying that I was a British subject, and if anybody -interfered with me all sorts of giddy things would happen to him. Of -course it wasn't exactly a gilt-edged security in a time like this: -still it was the best thing I could get, and I thought that with the -help of a bit of bluff it might pull me through." He paused. "Well, -to cut a long yarn short, it did. I had a little trouble on the -road, but I reached Braxa at last--about three o'clock this -morning--and knocked up an old boy that I used to go fishing with. I -explained the situation to him--more or less--and we came to the -conclusion that the best plan would be to pick you up outside the -harbour. He helped me stuff away the car in an old shed he's got up -at the top of the jetty; then we just tumbled into his boat -and--and--well, here we are." He leaned back and surveyed his -companions. "And now," he added placidly, "perhaps you'll be kind -enough to let me know what the devil it all means." - -There was a brief pause. - -"I'll tell him if you like," offered Guy. - -Tony glanced at his watch. "I think you had better leave it to me," -he said. "We shall be wanted on deck in a few minutes, and I've had -such a lot of practice, I'm sure I can tell it quicker than any one -else." He turned to Jimmy. "It's an exciting story, James; but you -must listen very carefully and not interrupt me." - -Mr. Dale crossed his legs. "Let her rip," he observed tranquilly. - -Once more, and this time with a masterly brevity that put all his -previous efforts in the shade, Tony proceeded to relate the series of -stimulating incidents which had sprung from his chance encounter with -Isabel outside the Long Acre flats. Owing to his highly condensed -method it was impossible to avoid a certain obscurity about some of -the details, but obedient to his instructions Jimmy received it all -in unquestioning silence. - -For a moment, even after Tony had finished, he still remained mute; -then with a sudden soft little chuckle he got up from his chair, and -thrust his hands deep into his trouser pockets. - -"My sainted Aunt!" he observed. "If ever there was a purple picnic -on this earth it seems to me we've struck it." He paused, as though -overwhelmed with the magnificence of the situation. "And this girl," -he went on slowly, "this girl who's so like the Princess? Do you -really mean to say that you have brought her with you--that you've -got her here--on board?" - -"We have," replied Tony, "very much so." - -Jimmy glanced round the cabin. "Well, where is she? What have you -done with her?" - -Tony turned his seat in the direction of the Rev. Mr. Monk. - -"Get up, Molly," he said. "Get up and make the gentleman a nice -curtsey." - -With her most bewitching smile, Molly rose to her feet, and picking -up the skirts of her coat in either hand, sank gracefully towards the -floor. - -For an instant, for just one poignant instant, Jimmy remained gazing -at her in open-mouthed incredulity; and then with an apologetic rap -on the door the seaman Jackson again presented himself on the -threshold. - -"If you please, Sir Ant'ny--the Capt'n's compliments, and he'd be -glad to see you and the other gentleman on the bridge." - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -COUNTERPLOTTING - -It would have been difficult to find anything more restful looking -than Braxa Harbour, as it lay flooded in the morning sunshine. -Whatever bloodthirsty events might have taken place further inland, -they had certainly failed to produce any visible effect upon this -tranquil little fishing village. - -From the bridge of the _Betty_, which had come to anchor a couple of -hundred yards off the end of the long stone jetty, there was nothing -to be seen that in any way broke the agreeable atmosphere of peace -and harmony. Except for a few old boats, the sandy beach was -absolutely deserted, while the pink and white houses, that clambered -up the hill at the back, seemed pleasantly asleep in the shadow of -their surrounding trees. Round a low headland on the right, a small -river meandered out into the bay, its tranquil current being plainly -visible against the clear blue of the sea water. - -"I've seen livelier looking places," observed Captain Simmons -critically, "but I can't say I ever saw a much more dangerous harbour -for a big yacht, not if it should come on to blow from the sou'-west." - -Tony leaned meditatively over the rail and inspected the prospect. - -"I'm afraid we have arrived a little early," he said. "The Mayor and -Corporation don't seem to be up yet." - -"Oh, there's never much of a rush here in the morning," remarked -Jimmy, who was standing beside him. "I once saw a dog on the beach -before breakfast, but I think he'd been out all night." He tossed -the stump of his cigar over the side and watched it drop down into -the water. "What do we do now?" he inquired. - -"Well, considering that we've come by invitation," answered Tony, "I -should say the best thing was to sit tight and admire the view. -Somebody will probably notice that we've arrived, sooner or later." - -With a sudden movement the Captain raised his glasses, and levelled -them on the point away to the right where the river ran out into the -bay. - -"Seems to me," he observed, "that somebody's noticed it already." - -He pointed to the headland, and as he did so both his companions -suddenly caught sight of something low and black in the water that -was moving slowly out of the mouth of the river. - -"It's a petrol launch," said the skipper, "and unless I'm much -mistaken they're coming along to say good-morning to us." - -With quiet deliberation Tony surveyed the advancing vessel, which was -already swinging round in the direction of the _Betty_. - -"I can't see any one yet," he announced, "but it's pretty sure to be -Colonel Saltero. Jimmy, you'd better go downstairs and lock yourself -in the bathroom with Molly. I don't want him to know that we're a -passenger steamer.' - -"Right you are," said Jimmy with alacrity. "Come and tell us when -it's all over." - -He climbed down the bridge ladder, whistling tunefully to himself, -and turning back towards the approaching launch, Tony again -scrutinized it carefully through his glasses. - -As it drew nearer he was able to see that there were three men on -board, and amongst them he soon made out the square-shouldered, -aggressive figure of Colonel Saltero. That distinguished warrior was -seated in the stern, and even from a considerable distance one could -detect the air of truculent authority with which he was directing -operations. - -Tony snapped his glasses together and turned to the skipper. - -"I think I had better go down on the deck, and prepare to make pretty -speeches," he said. "I suppose they will be able to come alongside -all right." - -Captain Simmons eyed his advancing visitors with an air of -mistrustful calculation. - -"I wouldn't go as far as that," he observed grimly, "but I dare say -they'll manage it somehow or other." - -"Never mind," said Tony, "paint's cheap." - -He descended in leisurely fashion to the deck, and walked across to -the starboard side, where the members of the crew had collected -together awaiting the skipper's orders. - -A little apart from the others, and leaning over the rail, stood Mr. -McEwen and "Tiger" Bugg. For some obscure reason these two had -struck up an immediate and firm friendship, with the result that Bugg -had spent practically the entire trip in the breezy atmosphere of the -engine-room. - -Tony strolled up and joined them. - -"Guid-morning to ye, Sir Antony," observed the chief engineer -removing his pipe. - -"Good-morning, Mr. McEwen," said Tony. "Having a look at the -visitors?" - -There was a pause. - -"I was wondering," said Mr. McEwen softly, "whether yon swab who put -that nine-inch spanner in my cylinder micht be amang the pairty." - -Tony shook his head. "I'm afraid not," he replied regretfully. - -There was a sudden exclamation of interest from Bugg. - -"Why, look, sir! See 'im, sir? It's the cross-eyed bloke. The one -I knocked aht in Long Acre." - -He pointed excitedly towards the approaching launch, above which the -sombre scowl of Colonel Saltero was now plainly visible to the naked -eye. - -"You're quite right, Bugg," said Tony. "It's the same gentleman, but -he is coming to see me this time in a nice friendly spirit, so -perhaps you had better keep out of the way. He mightn't like to be -reminded of that push in the face." - -With his usual ready obedience Bugg faded from the scene, and as he -did so the voice of Captain Simmons came curtly and incisively from -the bridge. - -"Stand by with the fender, and look out for our paint." - -A couple of the crew, under the direction of the second officer, -hurried to fulfil the order, while two others climbed over the rail, -ready to drop down and assist in the operation. - -Shutting off her engine as she approached, the launch came swirling -round in a half circle. There was a brief moment of strained -suspense, and then skilfully avoiding the fender, she bumped heavily -alongside, in a fashion that brought a cry of anguish from Captain -Simmons' lips. The two waiting sailors dropped nimbly on to her -deck, and commenced to make her fast, and the next moment, flushed -but triumphant, Colonel Saltero was mounting the accommodation ladder. - -As he emerged over the top, Tony stepped forward to meet him. - -"How d'you do, Colonel?" he observed in a friendly voice. "Glad to -see you again." - -Clicking his heels together, Colonel Saltero made him a stiff -military bow. - -"Permit me, Sir Antony," he replied, "to welcome you to Livadia." - -"Thanks very much," said Tony. Then pausing for a moment to allow -his visitor to recover a perpendicular position, he added hospitably: -"Come along down and have a whisky." - -The invitation did not seem to be altogether unwelcome, but like a -true soldier the Colonel's first considerations were evidently for -his duty. - -"You have brought the cartridges?" he demanded, with a swift and -slightly suspicious glance round the deck. - -"Rather," said Tony, "any amount of 'em." He turned to the second -officer. "You had better start getting those boxes on board the -launch right away," he added. "Colonel Saltero and I are going below -to have a little chat." - -He led the way down the companion to his private cabin, and ushering -his guest in closed the door behind them. - -"Well, you got Congosta's message all right then," he said, going to -the cupboard and getting out the whisky and soda. "You know what an -unholy mess I've managed to make of things." - -The Colonel, who was standing in a stiff and military attitude, made -a slight gesture of assent. - -"Sir Antony!" he said, "I am a soldier, and it is my habit to speak -plain words. I will not hide my opinion that with regard to the -Princess you have failed us badly." - -Tony splashed out a full-handed allowance of old Glenlivet and -sprinkled it carefully with soda. - -"Go on," he said encouragingly. "Say exactly what you like." - -He handed the glass to the Colonel, who took a long and apparently -satisfactory drink. - -"At the same time," continued the latter, "I do not wish to be -ungrateful. If what Señor Congosta tells me is true, you have done -your best to make up for your fault. These cartridges--" he set down -the empty tumbler--"these cartridges, which I understand you have -presented to the army, may yet be the means of saving Livadia." - -"That's good," observed Tony. "But how are you going to get them to -Portriga?" - -The Colonel made a gesture with his hand. "There is no difficulty. -The river which you see runs up within two miles of the town, and -both banks are strongly held by our men." - -"What about the people here--the coast-guards and police? Are they -on your side?" - -Colonel Saltero smiled sombrely. "There are no coast-guards left," -he said. "As for the police--" he shrugged his shoulders--"some say -that the officer in command here is a friend of Da Freitas, but I do -not think he will interfere with us." - -Tony stretched out his hand, and picking up his guest's empty glass -commenced to refill it. - -"That sounds all right as far as it goes," he remarked; "but it seems -to me we are up against another pretty stiff problem. If Pedro -marries the Princess, as I suppose he will, it rather knocks the -bottom out of your game--doesn't it?" - -For a moment the Colonel hesitated. Despite the gift of the -cartridges, some faint suspicion of Tony's entire good faith seemed -still to linger in his mind. - -"We are not without our plans," he replied cautiously. - -Without appearing to notice the implied mistrust Tony filled the -tumbler and handed it back to him. - -"Of course not," he remarked cheerfully. "You and Señor Congosta are -not the sort of people to leave things to chance. I was only -wondering if I couldn't be of any further help to you. It was all my -fault the Princess was captured, and I want to do everything I can to -make up for it." - -This frank and simple speech, or else a second long draught of -Glenlivet which the Colonel promptly poured down his throat, seemed -to have a slightly mellowing effect upon that reserved warrior. - -"We have a plan," he repeated, "but I will admit to you, Sir Antony, -that there is much danger. Even now it is known everywhere that the -Princess is in Da Freitas' hands, and already there are those who say -'what is the use of more fighting?' If we had money----" - -"Money!" exclaimed Tony. "My dear chap, why didn't you say so -before?" He crossed again to the cupboard, and stooping down took -out two fat white bags, which he placed upon the table with an -agreeable chink. - -"I thought it just possible you might be short of cash," he -explained, "so I brought a couple of thousand along with me." - -The Colonel's eyes glistened. - -"In gold?" he asked hoarsely. - -Tony loosened the mouth of one of the bags, and tipped out a little -shining stream of yellow coins. - -"All in the best English sovereigns," he said, gathering them up and -replacing them again. Then, with a graceful gesture, he pushed both -bags across the table. "Take them, Colonel," he added. "Take them -from me as a small gift towards the freedom of Livadia." - -For a moment the Colonel was too overcome to speak. - -"Sir Antony," he exclaimed at last, "you must give me your pardon. -Congosta was right in what he said. I did you a great wrong in ever -doubting your honour." He raised his half empty glass. "I drink," -he said, "to the saviour of my country." - -Tony bowed. "That," he replied, "is a title which I think already -belongs to you--or Señor Congosta." - -There was a dramatic pause, and then the Colonel set down his glass. - -"I will tell you," he said bluntly, "what it is that we propose to -do. It is right that you should know." With an instinctive glance -round the cabin, as if to make quite certain that there were no -eavesdroppers, he advanced towards the table. "In the afternoon, -yesterday," he went on, "Pedro and Da Freitas landed in Portriga. -They have brought the Princess and the Count de Sé with them. -Already there are notices, placed up all over the town, saying that -on Sunday morning the marriage will take place in the Cathedral." - -Tony looked at him with an expression of amazement. "I say!" he -exclaimed. "They haven't wasted much time." - -"It is not in the way of Da Freitas to waste time," agreed the -Colonel. - -For a moment Tony remained silent. "Well, what are you going to do?" -he asked. "It seems to me that unless you can stop this interesting -little arrangement the whole thing's finished. You can't expect -people to go on fighting for a queen who's already on the throne." - -Saltero came a step closer still. "There will be no wedding," he -said grimly. "By ten o'clock to-night the Princess will be in our -hands." - -He paused, as if to allow the statement time to sink in. - -Tony indulged in a low whistle. "By Jove!" he exclaimed. "How are -you going to work it?" - -Once more the Colonel glanced round the cabin, and then sunk his -voice to a kind of low rumble, which was apparently as near as he -could get to a whisper. - -"We have found out that the Princess has been taken to the Château of -Saint Anna. It is in the mountains, ten miles from Portriga. The -Count de Saint Anna is an old friend of Pedro's father." - -"Are you going to attack the place?" Tony put the question quite -quietly, though his fingers had tightened a little upon the cigarette -that he was holding. - -The Colonel shook his head. "It is impossible. There is only one -road up through the hills, and all the approaches to it are held by -Da Freitas' soldiers. A hundred men could defend it against an army.' - -"It sounds a bit awkward," said Tony. - -Colonel Saltero smiled malevolently. "It is our good fortune," he -continued, "to have had further information. We have learned that at -nine o'clock to-night the Princess will be brought into the town in -order that she may be ready for the ceremony in the morning. -Doubtless there will be an escort--a strong escort, but all the -same--" he paused and his grey eyes narrowed into a couple of -dangerous looking slits--"I do not think that they will ever reach -Portriga. I do not think that they will get further than the bridge -at Valona." - -Tony laid down his cigarette. "I hope you will be careful if there's -going to be a scrap," he said anxiously. "I shouldn't like anything -to happen to Isabel. She seemed rather a nice girl." - -The Colonel drew himself up a little stiffly. "Our plans have been -well made," he replied. "There will be no danger to the Princess. -By ten o'clock she will be safe with General Almaida." - -There was another and longer pause. - -"If it comes off," observed Tony slowly, "it will be a nasty jar for -Pedro and Da Freitas." - -Once again the Colonel smiled viciously. "It will be the end," he -said. "Da Freitas has staked everything upon this marriage, and if -he cannot bring forward the Princess on Sunday, the whole country -will know that they have been deceived. There will be risings and -riots everywhere: even his own soldiers will turn against him. Then -we shall attack again, and this time there will be no going back. -Before night comes, Isabella will be Queen of Livadia." - -He stooped forward, and gathering up the two bags of gold stepped -back from the table. - -"Well, it's very good of you to have told me all this," said Tony -gratefully. "It has made me feel much more comfortable in my mind." -He laid his hand upon the whisky bottle. "Have another drink before -we go up?" he suggested. - -The Colonel shook his head with some regret. - -"I thank you, no," he said. "There are many things to do, and the -time is short. With your permission we will return to the deck." - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -THE SOLUTION - -"And that," said Tony, leaning back in his chair, "is absolutely -every damned thing that I could get out of him." - -His three companions, Molly, Guy, and Jimmy, who were seated in -various attitudes round the cabin table, surveyed him for a moment in -deep and reflective silence. - -Then Guy cleared his throat. "On the whole," he said, "I think you -have managed remarkably well." - -"I did my best," replied Tony modestly, "but he's a reticent blighter -for a Colonel. I didn't dare pump him any further for fear that he -might get suspicious. As it is I think he was half sorry he had told -me as much as he had before I got him over the side." - -"Well, we've collected quite a lot of interesting stuff to go on -with," said Jimmy contentedly. "The great question is how are we -going to use it?" - -"Do you know where these two places are?" asked Tony. "The Château -of Saint Anna--and the bridge at Valona?" - -Jimmy nodded. "Both of 'em. There isn't a yard of this country I -haven't tootled over at some time or other." He looked hopefully at -Tony. "Have you got any bright notion at the back of your mind?" - -"Not yet," said Tony. "I haven't had the chance of working things -out. That's what I've called this Cabinet Council for." He turned -to his cousin. - -"What do you think about it, Guy?" he asked. "You're the eldest, so -you shall speak first." - -"It seems to me," said Guy deliberately, "that there is not the -faintest chance of rescuing Isabel, except by the employment of -violence." - -There was a soft and delighted chuckle from Jimmy to which he paid no -attention. - -"That being so," he continued calmly, "the question resolves itself -into where and how we should make the attempt. As far as I can see -there is only one answer. If we can reach Valona, it's just possible -that in the confusion of this attack one or other of us might manage -to get away with Isabel. Of course it's much more likely that we -shall all be killed, but if one chooses to mix oneself up in this -sort of insane business that is an objection which one must be -prepared to face." - -He closed his lips tight in their customary precise line, and looked -round at the assembled company. - -"Thank you, Guy," said Tony. "That's just the sort of spirited -speech I should have expected from one of your aggressive character." -He paused. "Now, Jimmy, what have you got to say?" - -Jimmy rose solemnly to his feet. "I have much pleasure," he -observed, "in seconding the proposal of our honourable friend. I'm -for a forward policy every time." He looked across the table. "How -about the Reverend Mr. Monk?" he added. "It seems to me we ought to -have asked his opinion first." - -"I think," said Molly sweetly and clearly, "that it's just about the -silliest suggestion I ever heard." - -Guy sat up suddenly in his chair, and Jimmy, who was still standing -on his feet, broke into another long chuckle of laughter. - -Tony rapped the table gravely with a teaspoon. - -"Order, please," he said, "order! This is no time for misplaced -merriment." He turned to Molly. "Don't worry about Guy's feelings," -he added kindly. "Say exactly what you think." - -"I'm going to," replied Molly with brisk determination. "I'm awfully -sorry if I was rude to you, Mr. Oliver; but really you know your -plan's a rotter. Do you suppose that even if we got to Valona, these -people would allow us to hang about there waiting for something to -happen? Why, they would guess what we were up to the very moment -they spotted us." - -"But we know the time, roughly," protested Jimmy. "We could arrange -to reach the place just when the fighting started." - -"And what then?" demanded Molly scornfully. "Here you've got a large -party of armed men, who are cheerfully ready to murder a whole escort -in order to get hold of this girl. Do you really imagine they are -going to let us waltz in and pick her up under their noses? Not -likely!" - -She stopped to take breath. - -"I thought I had made it clear," remarked Guy a little chillingly, -"that I didn't regard the suggestion as a very safe or hopeful one." - -"You did," said Molly, "but you didn't go half far enough. It's a -dead certain frost from the very start. We should just be committing -suicide without doing any good to anybody." - -Guy shrugged his shoulders. "I daresay you're right. The -unfortunate point is that there's no alternative." - -Molly leaned forward, her blue eyes shining with excitement. - -"Yes, there is," she said quietly. - -For an instant nobody spoke. - -"Go on, Molly," said Tony. "We are all listening to you." - -"If we can get to Valona," said Molly, speaking in a rapid and eager -voice, "what is there to stop us getting to the other place--the -Château of Saint Anna?" - -There was another and longer pause. - -"Good Lord!" remarked Jimmy, and with this non-committal observation -he reseated himself at the table. - -"Well?" continued Molly defiantly. "We can't do anything without -running a big risk, so while we're about it we may just as well shove -all our money on the best chance." - -"But surely," protested Guy, "if there is an utterly hopeless----" - -"Let Molly explain," said Tony. "We can criticize her afterwards." - -Once again there was a brief silence. - -"It's like this," said Molly. "At the present moment, so far as we -know, there isn't a soul on Peter's side who has the remotest notion -that we're in Livadia. That's our strongest card, and if we don't -play it for all it's worth we shall be simply chucking the game -away." She wheeled round on Jimmy. "Where is this Château, -exactly?" she asked. "Can you get to it from here in your car -without going through Portriga or the other place--Valona?" - -Jimmy nodded. "We should turn off the main road up into the hills -about five miles from here. The car would manage it all right, but -as for getting there--" he grinned cheerfully--"well, from what the -Colonel told Tony, I should think we had about as much chance as a -snowflake in hell." - -"You needn't worry about that part of it," returned Molly coolly. -"So long as you know the road you can leave the rest to me." She put -her hand into her breast pocket, and produced the thick and -impressive looking half sheet of note-paper, which she had shown Tony -in the flat. "If that won't get us past a few soldiers," she added, -throwing it on the table, "we may as well turn the boat round now and -go straight home." - -"By Jove!" exclaimed Tony. "I believe you've got hold of the right -idea, Molly!" - -Guy looked from one to the other of them in a sort of baffled -bewilderment. - -"I may be very stupid," he said, "but I can't see in the least what -you hope to do even if we reach the Château." - -Molly drew in a long breath. "There's only one thing to do," she -said slowly. "Somehow or other this Princess girl and I have got to -change places. There's absolutely no other way in which we can -possibly work it." - -If she had suddenly placed a live bomb upon the table, Guy's face -could hardly have assumed a more startled expression. Even Jimmy, -who did not seem to be easily perturbed, remained staring at her for -a moment with his mouth open. - -"Change places!" repeated Guy at last. "Are you speaking seriously?" - -"Of course I am," said Molly a little impatiently. "Don't you see -how easily it could be done? According to what you all tell me, this -girl and I are as like each other as two peas: but no one would guess -that if they'd only seen me in this rig-out. Well, if I could get a -quarter of an hour alone with her, all we should have to do would be -to swap clothes, and then she could just walk out of the place -instead of me." She swept a triumphant glance at the others. "It's -a hundred to one nobody would notice the difference: not if she's got -the pluck and sense to carry it off properly." - -"I can guarantee the pluck and the sense," said Tony. "They are two -things in which Isabel happens to specialize rather deeply." - -"But do you mean you are ready to stop behind in her place?" - -It was Jimmy who put the question. - -"Certainly I am," replied Molly. "That's what I have come out here -for." - -He gazed at her for a moment in voiceless admiration. - -"My Lord, you've got some nerve," he said. "What do you think will -happen to you?" - -Molly smiled pleasantly. "I think," she answered, "that I shall be -respectably and properly married to Peter in the Portriga Cathedral. -I don't see what the devil else they can afford to do. They have got -to have a wedding, and as I'm quite ready to pretend that I'm the -Princess, and nobody's ever likely to contradict it, it seems to me -they'll jolly well have to make the best of it." - -Tony laid down his cigarette and leaned back in his chair. - -"Molly," he said, "you are as brilliant as you are beautiful. I -don't believe there is any one else alive who could have thought of a -notion like that when they were full of eggs and bacon." - -"It's a terrific idea," admitted Jimmy, still gazing respectfully at -the author. "The one great difficulty will be to fix up this -interview between you and the Princess." - -Molly nodded. "I know," she said. "I haven't got that part of it -clear yet. You see the whole thing only came into my head quite -suddenly." - -"That part of it," remarked Tony in his tranquil voice, "seems to me -delightfully simple and easy." - -They all three turned towards him. - -"We are personal friends of Peter's," he went on; "at least I am. I -think I shall call myself Lord Haverstock. It's a very nice title -and no one's taken it yet. Do you think it suits me, Guy?" - -"Oh, go on," exclaimed Guy impatiently. - -"At Peter's suggestion," continued Tony, "I have accompanied him from -England in my own yacht, in order to be in at the death, so to speak. -Molly here is my chaplain. All really respectable English peers -travel with a private chaplain." - -He paused as if for confirmation. - -"I've no doubt you're right," said Jimmy gravely, "but how does that -interesting fact help us?" - -"Why, don't you see? Isabel has been brought up with English ideas -about these sort of things, and it's surely only natural that she -should feel a little upset at the thought of being married so -suddenly, and without any of her old friends to help her. She has -told Peter that if it was possible she would like to have a talk with -an English clergyman, and knowing that I have got the Reverend Mr. -Monk on board, Peter has suggested that I should take him along to -the Château. Of course, for various reasons, he didn't want a fuss -made about it, so he has just given me his own private pass, and told -me to explain the rest to the Count of Saint Anna. What could be -more beautifully simple and probable?" - -Molly clapped her hands softly. "Splendid, Tony!" she said. -"Absolutely splendid!" - -"And suppose," remarked Guy in his depressingly matter-of-fact voice, -"that the first person we run into at the Château is Isabel's uncle -or the Marquis da Freitas or the King himself. What's going to -happen then?" - -"I don't know exactly," said Tony, "but I should say that in all -probability there will be the hell of a row." - -"It's no good worrying about that," said Molly decisively. "We've -got to chance something, and the odds are that all three of them will -be down in Portriga. I imagine that that's why they've sent the girl -to this place--in order to have their hands free." - -Tony nodded his agreement. "There's a lot of hard work about running -a revolution," he observed. "I shouldn't think they would be able to -spare anybody this morning." - -Molly looked round at the other two. "Well," she said, "Tony and I -have made up our minds at all events. Are you ready to back us up?" - -There was a pause. - -"I will do anything I can," remarked Guy simply. - -Jimmy leaned back and thrust his hands into his trouser pocket's. - -"So will I, of course," he said. "The only thing I don't like about -it is leaving you behind. Suppose they turn nasty when they find -out?" - -Molly smiled at him comfortingly. "That's all right," she said. -"Peter has got his weak points, but if any one was to hurt the tip of -my little finger he would have the last drop of blood they've got. -Da Freitas knows that as well as I do." - -"I'm glad to hear he appreciates you," said Jimmy with feeling. "You -are much too good for him." He hesitated. "Look here," he added -suddenly, "suppose he's killed, suppose somebody shoots him--it's -quite possible you know--will you come back to England and marry me?" - -Molly broke into a little ripple of silvery laughter. - -"I daresay I might," she said. "Anyhow, it's nice to have something -to fall back on in case one wants it." - -"I hate to interrupt a really passionate love affair," observed Tony -apologetically, "but don't you think we ought to discuss our -arrangements--such as they are? We haven't too much time to spare." - -"Well, they're pretty straight sailing, aren't they?" replied Jimmy. -"There's plenty of petrol in the car, so all we've got to do is to go -ashore and start off." - -"Who's we?" demanded Molly. "You and I and Tony?" - -"Can't I come too?" inquired Guy in a rather disappointed voice. -"I'm quite ready to do my share--whatever it is?" - -Tony got up from where he was sitting and laid a sympathetic hand on -his cousin's shoulder.. - -"I know that, Guy," he aid. "I know that you would cut the throats -of half Livadia if it would help Isabel in any way. The point is -that we can't afford to do any fighting this trip. We have got to -bring it off peacefully, if we bring it off at all, and it's quite -possible that the real danger will be at this end, and not at the -Château. I told you what Saltero said about the police here. Well, -don't you see, if they chose to interfere they might put the hat on -everything. I want you to take charge while we're away, and whatever -happens--even if you have to murder every policeman in the -town--there must be a nice comfy boat awaiting us when we get back." - -Guy nodded grimly. "Very well," he said; "you can count on that, if -there're any of us left alive!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -GETTING ACCESS TO ISABEL - -It was almost exactly half an hour later, when the _Betty's_ gig, -skilfully piloted by the second officer, drew up alongside the jetty. -Tony, Jimmy, and Molly scrambled out in turn--the latter carrying a -small prayer-book in her hand and lending a pleasant air of -respectability to the party. - -Braxa still lay bathed in a rich tranquillity: the only other -occupants of the sun-warmed causeway being a couple of nondescript -gentlemen, who had been leaning over the low rail, watching the -approach of the boat and spitting thoughtfully into the sea. These -two eyed the new arrivals with a certain languid curiosity, but -beyond that they betrayed no apparent interest in their proceedings. - -"It's amazing to me," said Tony, looking round, "that any one could -have had the bad taste to start a revolution here. It's like -brawling in a mortuary." - -"Oh, you mustn't judge Livadia by this place," protested Jimmy. -"There are enough scoundrels in Portriga to make up for any shortage -elsewhere." He took out a small rusty key from his pocket. "Come -along," he added. "If we hang about admiring the view we shall -probably have Saltero's policemen after us." - -He led the way down the jetty towards a roughly built wooden shed -which stood a few yards back on the beach, and unfastening the -padlock, threw open the door. Inside, amongst a medley of fishing -nets and other nautical obstructions, stood a large travel-stained -motor car with steel studded tyres. It was evidently in good order, -for it started with the first pull up of the handle, and having -seated himself at the steering-wheel, Jimmy brought it deftly out on -to the hard beaten sandy track which ran up into the main road. - -"One penny all the way," he observed encouragingly. "Any more for -Chancery Lane or the Bank of England?" - -Tony closed and locked the door of the shed. "I shall sit behind -with you, Molly," he announced. "Then we can hold hands under the -rug." - -They settled themselves comfortably in the tonneau, and starting on -his second speed Jimmy shot off up the beach with surprising and -rather disconcerting velocity. - -At the top of the track, where it joined the road, several of Braxa's -more energetic citizens were sheltering from the rays of the sun. As -the car approached they all moved forward in a desultory fashion to -scan its occupants; and one of them, a stout gentleman in uniform, -with a sword trailing by his side, stepped out officiously into the -roadway and held up his hand. - -If he was under the impression that his action would cause the car to -pull up, he must have been bitterly disappointed. Without faltering, -or even slackening speed, its driver swerved round him at a distance -of about two inches, and left him shouting and gesticulating wildly -in the centre of a cloud of dun coloured dust. - -A few yards further on, the road turned away inland, and as soon as -they had negotiated the corner, Jimmy glanced back over his shoulder. - -"We've torn it now," he observed complacently. "That was one of the -policemen." - -Tony nodded. "I thought it must be," he said. "He looked so well -fed." - -"Is there anything he can do?" inquired Molly; "except to try and -arrest the _Betty_?" - -"He might send a message to Portriga asking for instructions," -answered Jimmy. "It all depends on whether he's got a suspicious -nature." - -He turned back to concentrate his attention on the steering, for they -were passing through the main street of Braxa, and one or two small -carts, with sleepy-looking pairs of oxen attached to them, were -straggling amiably about the roadway. - -"I'm sorry now that we didn't run over him," said Molly regretfully. - -"We might go back and do it," replied Tony; "but I think on the whole -we had better trust to Providence. If Providence is really with us -one policeman can't make very much difference." - -This argument seemed to convince Molly, for she attempted no further -conversation until they were clear of the village, and travelling -rapidly along the sandy and ill kept road which ran northwards -towards Portriga. - -Then, with a smile, she turned again towards Tony. - -"I'm thinking of the ambush at Valona," she said. "I hope it's a -nice comfortable one, because they'll have to stop there a long time -if they are going to wait for me." - -Tony sat up suddenly in his seat. "By Jove!" he said, slowly, "we -never settled that point, did we! What are you going to do about it?" - -"Well, if things turn out anything like right," returned Molly -cheerfully, "I shall simply tell the escort that they had better find -some other way of getting me into Portriga. I don't want to be mixed -up in a free fight just before I'm married." She laughed gently. "I -should like to hear what Saltero says about you, Tony," she added. -"He'll shove everything down to your account, you know." - -Tony nodded. "I hate to treat him like this," he observed sadly, -"but it really can't be helped. In a big crisis the lesser virtues -always have to give way to the greater." - -"You must explain that to him," said Molly, "if you ever run up -against him again. It will probably console him quite a lot." - -By this time the last traces of Braxa were already some distance in -the rear, and the countryside had assumed that forlorn and neglected -aspect which forty years of misgovernment have so successfully -impressed upon the greater part of Northern Livadia. Here and there -they came across an occasional peasant woman, slouching along under a -heavy burden: presumably carrying on the family business while her -lord and master was assisting to make history in the Capital. With -these exceptions, however, the road was absolutely deserted, a fact -of which Jimmy took full advantage by pushing the car along at the -utmost limit of speed which the deplorable surface would permit. - -The only relief to the monotonous landscape was the long range of -hills towards which they were steadily making their way. These rose -sharply in the near distance against the cloudless blue sky, and -somewhere amongst them, as Tony knew, lay the Château of Saint Anna -and the goal of their expedition. - -At last Jimmy slackened down, and looked round again from the driving -seat. - -"You'd better get ready for trouble," he said. "The turning's about -half a mile on from here, and it's a hundred to one they'll have a -patrol out at the corner." - -Tony acknowledged the information with a reassuring wave of his hand; -while Molly, after settling herself into a decorous attitude, opened -her prayer-book at random and commenced to study "The Publick Baptism -of Infants" with a deep and absorbed interest. - -Jimmy proceeded forward at the same leisurely pace, until, bit by -bit, the branch road that he had spoken of crept into view, turning -off to the right, and then winding its way up through the hills, like -a piece of yellowish ribbon dropped down carelessly from the sky. - -At the point where it joined the main road stood a straggling coppice -of stunted oak trees. To the unsuspicious eye there was nothing -about it to suggest the least danger; but quite suddenly, while the -car was still about a hundred yards distant, the apparently peaceful -prospect underwent a startling change. With the crash and swirl of -breaking undergrowth, a number of uniformed figures scrambled out -hastily into the sunlight, and running forward with their rifles in -their hands, formed up into an irregular cordon across the roadway. - -It was a well planned manoeuvre, for even if the occupants of the car -had wished to escape, it would have been practically impossible for -them to do so. As it was Jimmy thrust on his brake and slowed down -immediately into a mere crawl. Then turning round to Tony he -observed with an air of respectful apology: "I'm afraid we shall have -to pull up, Lord Haverstock. I expect they have got the steam-roller -at work round the corner." - -Before Tony could reply, a savage-looking gentleman, who appeared to -be an officer, detached himself from the rest, and barked out some -instruction in a hoarse and unintelligible voice, then followed by -several subordinates, all gripping their rifles ready for immediate -action, he strode rapidly forward towards the now stationary car. - -Its three occupants awaited its approach with commendable dignity. -Jimmy sat stiff and upright, still holding the steering-wheel, Tony -lolled back in his seat with an air of slightly annoyed boredom, -while Molly, after one incurious glance at the situation, had resumed -her interrupted study of the Publick Baptism of Infants. - -A few yards distant, the officer, who at closer quarters looked like -a rather dog's eared edition of Kaiser Wilhelm the Second, halted his -men in the roadway. Then advancing by himself to the side of the -car, and dropping the point of his scabbard with a menacing clink on -the ground, he addressed himself to Jimmy. - -As he spoke in Livadian, Tony was unable to follow what he said. -From his manner, however, it was pretty easy to guess that he was -demanding to know who they were and what business had brought them -into the neighbourhood. It was also fairly plain that he had made up -his mind not to be trifled with, and that the first sign of any -attempt to escape, would be the signal for a volley of bullets from -the soldiers. - -Jimmy listened in silence, until the harsh string of words which were -showered at his head had come to an end. Then with a significant -glance at the soldiers he leaned towards his questioner, and made -some low reply in the same language. It evidently had something to -do with the inadvisability of treating the matter to too public a -discussion, for after hesitating a moment, the officer wheeled round -and ordered his henchmen to withdraw three paces into the background. -Then, still looking extremely stern and suspicious, he turned back to -Jimmy. - -Exactly what the latter said was of course as unintelligible to Tony -as the previous questions had been. It was evident, however, from -the occasional introduction of such phrases as "Lord Haverstock of -London," and "the Château of Saint Anna," that he was telling the -story they had agreed upon in the yacht and judging by his manner he -was letting off this romantic fiction with the convincing -plausibility that one would expect from anybody who for several years -had been intimately connected with the motor trade. - -Of its effect upon the officer there could be no doubt. The -threatening hostility on his face gave way gradually to an expression -of surprise, not untinged with a certain dawning respect, and when he -spoke again it was in an altogether different if still slightly -suspicious tone. - -For several minutes the dialogue continued its course, and then, -breaking off suddenly, Jimmy leaned back over the seat, and addressed -himself to Tony. - -"This gentleman," he said, "is Major Paqueta of the King's army." - -Tony inclined his head in the polite if somewhat haughty fashion of a -true English nobleman--a salute which Major Paqueta acknowledged by a -stiff military bow. - -"He would like to have a look at the King's letter," continued Jimmy. -"I've explained the position to him, but he has orders not to allow -any one to pass this corner." - -With a slight air of aristocratic condescension Tony took out the -document in question from his pocket and handed it to Jimmy, who in -turn passed it on to the Major. - -The gallant soldier unfolded it and carefully scrutinized its -contents. One could see from his face that he was deeply impressed, -but even so there were still distinct traces of doubt and hesitation -in his manner when he looked up and again addressed himself to Jimmy. - -A brief discussion followed, and then once more the latter turned -round to explain. - -"It's like this, Lord Haverstock. Major Paqueta believes that the -letter is genuine, but his orders are very strict. He says that if -we want to go on to the Château we must take him with us." - -"Why, certainly," replied Tony without an instant's hesitation. -"Tell Major Paqueta that I shall be delighted, and that if he wishes -to return here we can give him a lift back. At least," he added -drily, "I hope we shall be able to." - -Jimmy passed on this communication--or at all events the first part -of it--and for a second time the Major clicked his heels and -genuflected stiffly. Then after a word or two of apparent -explanation, he collected his three soldiers and proceeded up the -road as far as the corner, followed at a dignified pace by the car. -Here he handed over his command to a bloodthirsty-looking sergeant, -and having given the latter some careful instructions, clambered up -into the front seat alongside of Jimmy. - -Turning down the branch road the now personally conducted expedition -sped along rapidly towards its goal. There was little conversation, -for Jimmy was too occupied in avoiding the ruts to return anything -but the briefest answers to their new friend's occasional remarks, -while Molly, despite the jolting of the car, still remained buried in -her baptismal studies. She looked up once at Tony, who winked at her -gravely, but this familiarity only met with a chilling clerical -reserve that did not encourage further advances. - -About every half mile they came across small parties of soldiers, -patrolling the road, all of whom drew up across their path as they -approached. On each occasion, however, the sight of Major Paqueta, -sitting up like a ramrod in the front seat, was sufficient to insure -their undisputed passage: that obliging gentleman being evidently the -senior officer in command of the district. - -As the road gradually began its ascent into the hills, these patrols -increased in numbers, and Tony realized that Congosta's statement -about the difficulty of rushing the place by force was by no means an -exaggerated one. A very small body of well-armed and determined men -could indeed have held the track against an army corps, for the great -rocky boulders that towered up on either hand afforded admirable -cover, and offered a ready means of blocking up the road if such a -course were rendered necessary. - -At last, after about two miles of this upward progress, they came out -over the crest of a long narrow gorge, and with startling abruptness -the Château of Saint Anna suddenly swept into view. It stood on the -summit of the next hill--a large castle-like looking building of -white stone, with a number of small attendant cottages straggling -down into the valley below. It was not more than a mile distant, and -despite Tony's constitutional calmness a momentary thrill ran through -his heart as he gazed across the short intervening space which was -all that now separated him from Isabel. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -KIDNAPPING THE BRIDE - -In a few minutes they were mounting the steep street which appeared -to be the only approach to the Château. The route was plentifully -sprinkled with soldiers, and from the cottage doorways on either side -women and children watched the visitors go past with open-eyed -interest. The sight of Major Paqueta on the front seat seemed still -to be a sufficient guarantee to everyone for their respectability; -and on they went through an avenue of salutes from the soldiers, -which Tony acknowledged by occasionally raising his hand with an -aristocratic languor that was extremely impressive. - -It was not until they reached the main entrance to the Château--a big -stone archway spanned by a couple of iron gates--that any attempt was -made to arrest their progress. At this point two armed sentries on -guard stepped forward with raised bayonets, and not wishing to run -any unnecessary risk of puncture, Jimmy at once brought the car to a -standstill. Almost at the same moment a small door at the side was -opened and an officer in full uniform strode out into the roadway. - -He saluted Major Paqueta, and for several moments the two of them -remained engaged in an animated conversation, the results of which -appeared to be distinctly satisfactory. At all events, on an order -from the newcomer, the two big iron gates were pushed slowly open, -and with commendable care Jimmy steered his way in under the archway. - -They found themselves in a large courtyard, surrounded on three sides -by various portions of the Château, and decorated in the centre by -the equestrian statue of a stout gentleman, brandishing a menacing -sword in the direction of Heaven. Circling gracefully round this -atrocity, Jimmy drew up outside the entrance to the house--a couple -of big iron-studded doors, from which a flight of stone steps led -down to the gravel. - -With the dignity becoming to his position, Major Paqueta descended -from the car. Their arrival had evidently been observed, for as he -did so, one of the doors was opened from inside, and an -elderly-looking steward or butler, supported by two assistants, -appeared upon the threshold. - -The Major stopped to make a remark or two in Livadian to Jimmy; then -with another formal and apparently apologetic bow to Tony, he mounted -the steps and was ushered into the house. - -"He's gone to see who's at home," explained Jimmy, leaning his elbow -on the back of the seat. "He says he won't keep us waiting long." - -Tony nodded. "We have done our bit," he observed philosophically. -"It's all up to Providence now." - -Molly, who had closed her prayer-book, and was sitting beside him -with downcast eyes, squeezed his hand gently under the rug. - -"Good luck, Tony," she said in a low voice; "just in case we don't -see each other again." - -Before Tony could make any response the officer who had admitted them -through the gate appeared suddenly along the courtyard behind them, -and took up his position on the steps within earshot of where they -were sitting. Tony, of course, did not know if he understood -English, but considering the somewhat delicate nature of their -position it seemed advisable to avoid any unnecessary risk. He -therefore contented himself by returning Molly's squeeze, and in -tactful silence the three of them waited for the next development. - -It was not long in arriving. Once more the big portal swung back, -and Major Paqueta, with the pompous-looking steward in attendance, -came down the steps and addressed a few words to Jimmy. - -The latter climbed down from his seat, and without waiting for the -assistance of the steward, opened the back door of the car. - -"We are to go in," he announced with superb coolness. "The Count of -Saint Anna is prepared to receive us." - -Throwing back the rug, Tony and Molly followed him out, the latter -still keeping her eyes down, and holding the prayer-book before her -in a conspicuous position. - -Preceded by the steward and Major Paqueta they ascended the steps, -and entered a lofty hall lit by a glass dome and set around with -marble pillars. Behind these were a number of tall mahogany doors -leading into the various apartments. On either side of one of them, -which was open, stood the two footmen in rigid immobility, and -between this expressionless pair of statues their guide conducted -them into a large, handsomely furnished room, where an elderly -gentleman in a frock-coat was standing by a writing-table, waiting to -receive them. - -The Count of Saint Anna, for it was evidently their host who faced -them, bowed courteously at their entrance. He was an amiable-looking -old boy with gold spectacles and a long white moustache carefully -waxed at the ends. From this demeanour at all events there was no -hint of any hostility or suspicion towards his visitors, and Tony -felt a momentary wave of relief that since her arrival in Livadia -Isabel should have been in such apparently good-natured hands. - -As soon as the door was closed the Count cleared his throat and -commenced to speak. - -"Gentlemen," he observed in very painstaking English: "I have the -pleasure to make your knowledge. Major Paqueta says that you carry a -letter from His Majesty the King, and that you wish to speak with me -privately on a matter of much importance." - -Tony bowed, and stepping forward, again produced the invaluable scrap -of paper which had been returned to him by the Major. The old -gentleman accepted it, and having adjusted his spectacles read it -through with extreme care. The perusal could not really have -occupied him more than a minute, but to three of those present it -seemed to be the most prolonged and poignant minute ever extracted -from the womb of time. At last, however, he looked up again, and -with infinite relief they saw that the charm had worked. - -"I will speak with these gentlemen in private," he said, addressing -himself to Major Paqueta. "This is undoubtedly the writing of His -Majesty." - -It seemed from the Major's face as if he were slightly disappointed -by this abrupt dismissal, but like a true disciplinarian he accepted -the situation without remonstrance. Bowing again stiffly, he wheeled -round and marched to the door and the next moment the four of them -were alone. - -The Count motioned his guests to be seated. - -"I understand," he said, "that there is one of you gentlemen who is -able to speak our language. It would be best perhaps if he should -explain. I have a small knowledge of English, but it is not good to -listen with." - -Tony turned to Jimmy. "Go ahead, James," he said encouragingly. -"Tell the Count of Saint Anna exactly what the King has asked us to -do." - -With that easy assurance that had won him his chequered way through -the world, Jimmy set about his task. He had one of those happily -constituted natures (so frequent amongst prominent statesmen and -successful men of business) which enables its possessor to become -automatically more convincing the further he departs from the truth. -Unintelligible as his actual words were to Tony, there was a ring of -sincerity about them which filled the latter with intense admiration, -and made him feel that much as he had always appreciated Jimmy, he -had up till that moment failed to do him complete justice. - -The Count on his part appeared to be deeply impressed. He followed -Jimmy's trail of lies with the closest attention, occasionally -interjecting a question, and nodding his head with grave satisfaction -over the answers that were immediately forthcoming. It was an -entertaining spectacle, and but for the stake at issue, and an -uncomfortable sensation that every minute added to their danger, Tony -would have felt quite sorry when it came to an end. - -Throughout the recital Molly remained very unobtrusively in the -background. She had seated herself in the darkest corner of the -room, and with her eyes fixed steadily on the carpet, she appeared to -be wholly absorbed in some form of inward meditation. - -There was a moment's pause when Jimmy had finished, and then, with a -final and decisive nod, the Count rose to his feet. - -"My friends," he said in English, "you have indeed done a great -service to His Majesty. You have also my own gratitude. I do not -hide from you that it has been of much distress to me that the -Princess Isabella is not more happy. If to speak with this good -gentleman will be of comfort to her, that is indeed all that we -should wish. I will myself take him to her presence." - -It was an exhilarating moment, but all three of them managed to -preserve their self-control. With extreme gravity Molly got up from -her seat and moved quietly in the direction of the door, Tony and -Jimmy also rising and acknowledging the Count's speech with a couple -of polite bows. - -"In a minute I shall rejoin you," added the latter. "In the -meanwhile I trust that you will regard this poor apartment as your -own." - -He crossed the room and opened the door politely for Molly who, still -clasping her prayer-book in front of her, passed solemnly through -into the hall. The Count paused for an instant on the threshold to -return the salutations of his guests, and then following her out, -closed the doors behind them. - -Jimmy pulled out a handkerchief and softly pressed it to his forehead. - -"Holy Moses!" he whispered. "If Ananias hasn't turned in his grave -he's the most unjealous blighter who ever lived." - -"You were wonderful, James," said Tony, with a genuine reverence in -his voice. "I think we shall have to change the idea of running our -garage on honest lines. It would be a sheer waste of genius." - -"We needn't worry about that yet," retorted Jimmy. "We have got to -get out of this hole first. I don't know what you think, but it -seems to me that our part of the business was child's play compared -with that those two girls have got to tackle." - -"They'll do it," replied Tony confidently. "I've the most perfect -faith in Molly." - -Jimmy took a deep breath. "She's great--magnificent," he said. -"There isn't a woman in the world to touch her. She'll do her part -all right, but it's the other one I'm thinking about. How can one -expect a young girl who's no experience of acting to bring off a job -like this?" - -"Ah!" said Tony. "You don't know Isabel." - -He walked to the writing-desk, and stood for an instant looking down -at the open blotting-book. - -"I wonder if the Count would mind my using his paper and envelopes," -he added meditatively. "I think this would be rather a good -opportunity of answering Da Freitas' letter." - -"Oh, go on," said Jimmy with a chuckle. "That will be all right. He -told us to look on the place as our own." - -Tony seated himself at the desk, and taking out his fountain pen -pulled a sheet of paper towards him. He paused to reflect for a few -moments, and then dating the letter with the exact hour, began to -write, slowly and deliberately. - -He had not covered more than half a page, when the door opened and -the Count of Saint Anna came back into the room. - -"I have taken your friend in to the Princess," he said. "She was -surprised, as you would expect, but I think it will make her happy to -speak with him. I return to bring him back in a little while. You -gentlemen will do me the honour of lunching with me, as soon as their -talk is finished?" - -Tony, who had got up from his chair, shook his head. - -"Thank you very much, Count," he said, "but I'm afraid we shall have -to start back as quick as we can. The fact is I have got an -appointment with the English Ambassador. He is coming to lunch with -me on my yacht." - -He brought out this impromptu falsehood with such perfect readiness -that even Jimmy was momentarily staggered. - -"Ah!" said the Count. "I am sorry. If you could have waited it is -possible that you would have had the pleasure to meet the Count de -Sé. We are expecting him at any time now. He is, as you know, to -take the Princess to Portriga." - -"What a pity!" replied Tony regretfully. "I should love to have had -a chat with him if we could have managed it." He paused. "By the -way," he added, "I hope you don't mind my making free with your -property like this. I was just writing a line to my friend the -Marquis da Freitas. I daresay the Count de Sé would take it with him -when he goes in." - -The old gentleman spread out his hands in a reassuring gesture. - -"Señor," he said, "please to continue. All that I have in this poor -house is at your disposal." - -Taking him at his word, Tony resumed his seat at the desk, while -Jimmy, with some opportune remark in Livadian, promptly withdrew -their host to the further side of the room. - -Continuing to write with extreme deliberation, Tony finished his -letter, which occupied exactly two sides of the note-paper. Then he -blotted it, and sitting back in his chair, read it through carefully -before folding it up. - - - Tuesday, THE CHATEAU OF SAINT ANNA, - 11.53 A.M. Somewhere in Livadia. - -MY DEAR MARQUIS: - -It was very kind of you to write and say good-bye, as I don't suppose -you had much time to spare your last day in England. - -I am more than sorry that I haven't been able to look you up and -thank you personally during this flying visit of ours to your -beautiful and exciting country. You, I feel certain, will share this -regret, but your admirable philosophy will doubtless enable you to -make the best of it. Making the best of unfortunate situations is -the real secret of a happy and successful life. - -May I add that you can always rely on us for the most perfect -discretion with regard to any secrets that we happen to share in -common. I shall consider it a great kindness if you will convey to -His Majesty my truest congratulations on his marriage, of which, -under the circumstances, I feel quite sure you will thoroughly -approve. - -Wishing you the best of success in your patriotic efforts on behalf -of Livadia, - - I am, my dear Marquis, - Your sincere admirer, - ANTONY CONWAY. - -P.S. You were quite right about the proverb. Ha! Ha! - - -Having enclosed this in an envelope and addressed it, Tony got up -from his chair and handed it to the Count. - -"I shall be much obliged if you will give that to De Sé," he said. -"I want the Marquis to get it as soon as possible and I expect your -postal arrangements are a bit disorganized." - -The Count shrugged his shoulders. - -"All is confusion for the moment," he admitted, "but I trust that by -Monday we may hope for better things. So soon as the King is married -there will be no more fighting." - -He put the letter away carefully in his inside pocket, and for a few -minutes continued to discourse on the revolution and its possible -developments. It was quite evident that he shared Colonel Saltero's -opinion as to the immediate effect of the coming ceremony, and that -he looked forward to the future with a complete and touching -confidence. - -At last, again adjusting his spectacles, which had a habit of -slipping down his nose, he glanced up at the clock on the mantelpiece. - -"I think," he said "that I might now return to the Princess. It was, -I understand, for twenty minutes that your good friend wished to -speak with her." - -"Perhaps it would be as well," said Tony reluctantly. "I hate to -rush away like this, but we really ought to get back as soon as -possible. I don't want to keep the Ambassador waiting." - -They moved together towards the door, and as Tony opened it he added: -"I should like to take the chance of having a look at your hall -pillars if I may. I never saw finer marble in my life." - -A gratified smile lit up the Count's features. "It is considered a -not unfavourable example of our architecture," he said. "I am -honoured that it should meet with your approval." - -He conducted them outside, and after again apologizing for leaving -them, mounted the broad staircase and disappeared from view along the -gallery above. - -For a moment Tony and Jimmy remained standing where they were, -apparently lost in admiration. One glance round, however, had shown -both of them all that they really wished to see. Through the partly -open front door they had caught a glimpse of Major Paqueta and the -other officer engaged in conversation on the steps, while a faint but -clearly audible ticking below told them that the faithful car was -still in the same position where they had left it. - -"We might be able to manage it," whispered Jimmy; "even if there's a -hitch at the last moment." - -"There'll be no hitch," replied Tony gently. "Put your trust in -Providence, Jimmy, and admire the hall." - -He strolled placidly round from pillar to pillar, examining the -carving at the base of each, and occasionally patting one with his -hand, as if to express his approbation. Jimmy accompanied him, -sauntering along with equal nonchalance, and puffing at a cigarette -which he had lighted while talking to the Count. - -They were just completing the circuit and were within a few feet of -the door, when a sudden sound above brought them to a halt. They -both looked up, and as they did so two people appeared at the head of -the staircase. - -One was the Count, coming down with his hand on the banisters, and -talking away affably in his indifferent English. - -The other---- - -Standing where he was, Tony stared up at the slim black-coated -figure, that with prayer-book in hand and lowered eyes was descending -the staircase alongside of their host. The likeness to Molly as he -had last seen her was so amazing that for just one numbing instant a -horrible fear that she had failed gripped him by the heart. - -Then--somehow or other--he knew--knew beyond any shadow of doubt that -it was Isabel herself. All his coolness returned to him instantly, -and drawing in a deep, delicious breath he stepped forward to meet -them. - -"His Majesty will be very grateful to you," said the Count in a low -voice. "I am happy to say that the kindness and sympathy of this -good gentleman have been of much comfort to the Princess. She is -like a different person.' - -"I have no doubt she is," replied Tony heartily. "I know from -experience that a talk with Mr. Monk always makes one feel better and -happier." He held out his hand. "Good-bye, Count," he added, "and -thank you again so much for your kindness." - -The Count shook hands warmly with all three of them. - -"It has been a privilege to make your friendship," he replied. "But -I will not say 'good-bye.' It is possible, I hope, that you will be -returning here before long." - -"It is," admitted Tony, "distinctly." - -"And when you come," continued their host, shaking his finger -playfully, "I shall not permit you to leave us a second time in so -great a hurry." - -Tony smiled, and again wrung his hand. "I am sure of that, Count," -he said; "quite sure of it." - -They walked to the doors, which had been thrown back by the steward, -who had suddenly reappeared upon the scene, and passed out once more -into the sunshine and freedom of the open air. - -Isabel did not waste any time. Without looking to the right or left, -she stepped up quietly into the tonneau, and getting in after her -Tony settled himself between her and the steps. With almost equal -promptness Jimmy and the Major took their places in front. There was -a farewell wave from the Count and the other officer, a sputtering of -gravel as the wheels commenced to revolve, and the next moment the -car was circling again round the stout gentleman with the sword, and -heading gaily towards the archway. - -Tony's sensations, as he found himself once more slipping past the -open cottage doors, were so radiantly exhilarating that it was all he -could do to keep them under control. Indeed, but for the fact that -his right hand was clasping Isabel's left under the rug, and that the -other was temporarily occupied in returning the salutes of the -soldiers by the roadside, he felt that the temptation to throw his -arms round Major Paqueta's neck would have been utterly irresistible. - -The necessity for silence--always a difficult virtue in his case--did -not tend to make the struggle any easier. A dozen questions were -trembling on his tongue, but apart from the fact that Jimmy was -driving at a pace which would have rendered anything but shouting -absolutely useless, he knew it would be stark madness for Isabel to -begin talking until they had succeeded in ridding themselves of their -passenger. So with splendid if painful self-control he sat mutely -beside her, while steadily gathering speed, the car swept up the -opposite hillside and plunged joyously out of sight of the Château -into the narrow gorge above. - -With the exception of slowing down occasionally as he passed the -various patrols, Jimmy pushed along in such an animated fashion that -in what seemed to be an amazingly short time they had again descended -from the high ground, and were racing back along the winding valley -which led into the main road. As they came in sight of the thicket -where they had first had the privilege of making Major Paqueta's -acquaintance, two or three of the latter's soldiers, who were -evidently on the watch, came hurrying out from amongst the trees. -Seeing that it was their leader returning they formed up promptly -into some kind of order, and putting on his brakes, Jimmy brought the -car to a halt a dozen paces or so from where they were standing. - -With a few words, apparently expressive of his thanks, the Major -climbed down into the roadway. Then, drawing himself up, he bowed -twice--once to Tony and once to Isabel: a polite attention which they -both returned as gracefully as their somewhat cramped circumstances -would allow. At the same moment Jimmy thrust in his clutch, and -lurching forward again, the car swung rapidly round the corner on to -the main Braxa road. - -A few hundred yards from the wood Tony's self-control was unable to -hold out any longer. Throwing back the rug he lifted up Isabel's -hand, and regardless as to whether any one could see him or not, -pressed it recklessly and joyously to his lips. - -With a little gasp she laid her other hand upon his sleeve. - -"Oh, say it's true, Tony. Tell me it's really true!" - -Her words were almost carried away by the wind, for sublimely -indifferent to the ruts Jimmy had let the car out to its fullest -extent, and they were racing and bounding along in a fashion which -would have done credit to a high-spirited chamois. - -With a glad laugh Tony put his arm round her and drew her close up -against him. - -"It's the truest thing that's ever happened," he answered. "You are -mine now, Isabel--mine, mine, mine; and all the fat-headed Kings in -Europe will never get you away from me again." - -Satisfied apparently with what she could hear of his statement, -Isabel made no attempt to reply. With her eyes half-closed she -leaned against his shoulder, swaying with the movement of the car and -holding tight to his hand like a tired but contented child. - -"Were you going to marry him?" demanded Tony abruptly, as a worse bit -of road than usual caused a momentary slackening in the pace. - -She opened her eyes and nodded. "Uncle Philip told me that they had -got hold of you too, and that if I didn't do it they would punish you -horribly, somehow or other. I meant to kill myself directly I knew -you were safe." - -The arm with which Tony was holding her tightened a little in its -grip. - -"If ever I meet Uncle Phil again," he remarked slowly, "he'll run up -against something considerably harder than Richmond Park." - -A fresh plunge forward on the part of the car rendered any further -conversation temporarily impossible, and for the next quarter of an -hour they spun along in the same buoyant fashion, while the red roofs -of Braxa, which were now visible in the distance, grew plainer and -plainer every minute. - -Some way short of the straggling outskirts Jimmy again checked his -speed, and pulling into the side of the road came to a sudden and -unexpected halt. - -"How d'you do, Isabel," he observed, looking round over his shoulder. -"Glad to meet you." Then addressing himself to her companion, he -added: "What's your notion about things, Tony? I think myself we'd -better make a dash for it. Run slap through the town and straight -down on to the landing stage. I suppose the boat will be there all -right." - -Tony nodded. "One can always depend upon Guy," he said. "But how -about the car? What are you going to do with that?" - -"Scrap it," replied Jimmy. "Leave it on the quay. It doesn't belong -to me you know, it belongs to the garage. I've got all my earthly -possessions in my pocket." - -"Right away then," said Tony, "and don't stop for anything." He -turned to Isabel. "You won't be frightened if we have to run over a -few policemen," he said. "It's just possible they may be on the -lookout for us." - -Isabel shook her head. "I don't mind," she said firmly. "Not in the -least." - -"Well, look out for squalls," remarked Jimmy cheerfully. "It's neck -or nothing now." - -He pulled his Homburg hat on tighter and started off again down the -road, which stretched out ahead of them bare and dusty in the blazing -midday sunshine. - -Peaceful as Braxa had seemed when they had passed through it earlier -in the morning, it was at this hour even more deserted than before. -The heat of the sun seemed to have driven such people as were about -into the shelter of the wine shops, and except for a few -unhappy-looking dogs, rummaging amongst the garbage, a deep, -languorous tranquillity brooded over everything. - -They raced up the main street at a pace which sent the dust flying in -clouds on either side of them; and without sounding their horn or -otherwise announcing their approach, they swept round the corner into -the big open space where they had had their previous encounter with -the policeman. They were half-way across, and were heading straight -for the track that led down on to the beach, when the drowsy silence -of the square was suddenly disturbed by a hoarse shout on the left. -Tony glanced round in the direction of the sound, and was rewarded by -the sight of two uniformed figures hurrying out from the shadow of -the trees, and running and stumbling towards them with loud and -peremptory cries. - -"You're too late," he observed placidly. "Go on, Jimmy." - -As he spoke the car shot up the slight incline which hitherto shut -out the beach from view and at the same moment a half stifled -exclamation broke simultaneously from all three of its occupants. -Right across the track, in such a position as to shut out any -possibility of passing it, stood a big clumsy ox-cart, half full of -sand. Some yards further on they could see the driver chatting -affably to a couple of fishermen, but even if he had wished to help -them, he was too far away to be of any use. - -Under the circumstances Jimmy did the only thing that could possibly -have saved them. Thrusting out his clutch, he flung the wheel hard -over to the right, and with a wild swirl the car left the track, and -plunging forward into the soft sand at the side, came to a -staggeringly abrupt standstill. - -Despite the shock, Tony had opened the door and was out on the beach -almost before the wheels had ceased to revolve. - -"Come along," he said coolly; "plenty of time." - -But for one fact, it is probable that his statement would have proved -true. This fact unfortunately just made all the difference. The -sudden stoppage had flung Jimmy forward with such force against the -steering-wheel that all the breath had been knocked clean out of his -body, and for the moment he was as completely helpless as any human -being could possibly be. - -Seeing what had happened, Tony darted round to the other side of the -car, and catching him in his arms, lifted him bodily out of the seat. -Even while he was doing so, the first paralysing effects of the blow -began to wear off; but the delay--brief as it had been--was quite -long enough to bring about disaster. - -Already the pursuing policemen had come racing up over the rise -behind, and were bawling out frantic instructions to the driver of -the cart and the two fishermen who were with him. Thunderstruck as -the latter seemed to be, they yet retained sufficient intelligence to -grasp the fact that they were being called upon to assist the law. -For a second only they hesitated; then with a simultaneous movement, -they lumbered forward up the beach, and true to the voice of duty, -rushed in upon their quarry. - -The next minute was probably the busiest in Tony's life. Letting go -of Jimmy, he sprang forward to meet the first of their assailants--a -big black-bearded fellow, who had slightly out-distanced the others. -The man dived for his body, but swinging up his left with a terrific -jolt Tony caught him full in the face, and sent him sprawling over on -the sand. Then, just in the nick of time, he turned to meet the -driver of the cart. There was no chance of repeating his former -tactics, for the sheer weight of the latter's rush had brought him -into close quarters, and the next instant they were swaying up and -down, clutched in each other's arms. - -At any ordinary time they would have been a very well matched pair, -but the desperation of the moment had filled Tony with a kind of wild -madness that seemed almost to have doubled his strength. Wrenching -his right arm free he drove his fist deep into his opponent's midriff -with the force of a piston-rod. The man's legs shut up under him -like a clasp-knife--down he went in a gurgling heap, dragging Tony -with him in his fall. - -The latter was up again almost immediately, but his first glance -round showed him the hopelessness of the situation. Racing down the -slope with all possible speed, the two policemen had already reached -the scene of action. One of them was rushing towards him with a -drawn sword, and yelling to him to surrender, while the other was -dodging round the car in pursuit of Isabel. - -At that moment, just when everything seemed to be lost, a violent -"bang" from behind burst suddenly on Tony's ear. He spun round -instinctively--and there, fifteen yards away, was the Heaven-sent -figure of "Tiger" Bugg, leaping up the beach with the speed and fury -of an avenging angel. A few paces in the rear stood Guy Oliver, -hatless, perspiring, and with a smoking revolver levelled in his hand. - -Even as Tony turned there came a second spurt of flame. He felt the -bullet whistle past him, and almost simultaneously an agonized yelp -of pain showed that it had found its mark. He swung round again -instantly, just in time to see the onrushing policeman drop his -sword, and stagger back a couple of paces with his left hand clasped -to his shoulder. - -Disregarding everything else Tony flung himself to the rescue of -Isabel. At the sound of the second shot, the man who was chasing her -had pulled up abruptly in his tracks, apparently debating whether, -under the new circumstances, discretion was not the better part of -valour. Before he could make up his mind Tony was on him. He flung -up his arms to defend himself, but a smashing left in the throat -toppled him over like a pole-axed bullock, the back of his head -coming in violent contact with the radiator, and thus completing his -discomfiture. - -Panting, and quite unable to speak, Isabel leaned against the side of -the car. - -"It's all over," said Tony cheerfully, and slipping his arm gently -round her, he bent down and kissed her. "I'll carry you to the -boat," he added. - -She made some inaudible protest, but without paying any attention he -picked her up in his arms and turned towards the quay. - -It was a stricken field that met his gaze, but all danger was -apparently over. With Bugg's assistance Jimmy was just struggling to -his feet, while his late assailant, stretched out full length on the -sand beside him, seemed to have given up any further interest in the -proceedings. On the right, still clutching his revolver, Guy stood -on guard over the remainder of the enemies, none of them, however, -appeared to be in any condition to interfere. - -He glanced up with a white and eager face as Tony strode forward, -carrying Isabel in his arms. - -"Is she all right?" he gasped breathlessly. - -Tony gave him a reassuring nod. "We are both in the best of health, -thank you, Guy," he said. "How about the boat?" - -Guy took a deep breath. "You'll find the boat there," he said, -pointing towards the jetty. "Get on board as quick as you can. Bugg -and I will bring Dale along." - -Without further remark, Tony hurried on down the beach, and passed in -between the two wooden posts which marked the entrance to the rough -stone causeway. A few yards ahead of him stood the Captain of the -_Betty_ holding the gig's painter in his hand. In the boat below a -couple of sailors were ready at their oars. - -"Hello, skipper!" exclaimed Tony. "How nice of you to have come -yourself! I hope we haven't kept you waiting." - -As he spoke he gently lowered Isabel to her feet, and supporting her -with one hand, held out the other to Captain Simmons. - -The sailor gripped it in his huge brown paw. - -"Thank God, you're safe, Sir Antony," he exclaimed heartily. "I'd -have given anything to be able to lend a hand, but I didn't dare -leave the boat. We'd have been done if they'd cut us off." - -"Oh, we didn't want any more help," said Tony laughing. "The whole -beach is littered with corpses as it is." He paused. "Let me -introduce you to Miss Francis," he ended, "the lady I'm going to -marry." - -For a moment the skipper stared at Isabel in dumb amazement: then -with that readiness in emergency which always distinguishes the -British sailor, he took off his cap and made her an abrupt bow. - -"Pleased to meet you, Miss," he remarked huskily. - -At that instant through the entrance to the jetty appeared the -dishevelled figure of Jimmy limping cheerfully along between Guy and -Bugg. - -"Here come the others," said Tony. "We'd better get aboard before -there's any more trouble." He dropped down into the boat, and -steadied himself in the stern. "You pass Miss Francis down to me, -will you, skipper?" - -Like a man in a dream, but with the most respectful and solicitous -care Captain Simmons lifted up Isabel and lowered her gently into -Tony's arms. As her feet touched the planks Bugg, Guy, and Jimmy -appeared on the causeway above, and the next moment they too were -scrambling hastily down into their places. Captain Simmons followed -with the painter. - -"Let her go," he exclaimed curtly. - -The two sailors swung back together, and with a steady gliding motion -the boat drew away from the strenuous shores of Livadia into the blue -waters of the sunlit bay. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -MAKING SURE OF ISABEL - -For the second time that morning Lady Jocelyn opened the _Daily Mail_ -and adjusting her glasses bent over the centre column with its -staring and heavily leaded headlines. - - - AMAZING DEVELOPMENT IN LIVADIA - - KING PEDRO MARRIED TO THE PRINCESS - ISABELLA - - THE CIVIL WAR ENDED - -In Saturday's issue we were able to give our readers the exclusive -information that King Pedro and the ex-prime minister of Livadia, the -Marquis da Freitas, had landed in Portriga. - -Our well informed special correspondent, who transmitted the news, -hinted also that within a short time we might expect to hear of some -dramatic developments in the situation. The correctness of his -forecast has been amply demonstrated in a further and lengthy message -received late last night; a message which conveys the striking -information that King Pedro and his rival claimant to the throne, the -beautiful daughter of the late Don Francisco, were married on Sunday -morning in the Cathedral at Portriga. - -The situation from the political point of view is dealt with fully in -our leading article. We feel certain, however, that all readers of -the _Daily Mail_ will join in congratulating the Royal and happy pair -upon their romantic union. - -During his residence amongst us King Pedro has given many proofs of -the manly and democratic spirit by which he is animated, and we share -our correspondent's hope that under his rule and that of his fair and -youthful consort, our old established allies--the Livadian -people--will enter upon a long era of peace and prosperity. - -From our Special Correspondent. - - -PORTRIGA, Sunday night. - -Today has been the most dramatic day in the whole history of Livadia. -Within an hour of my sending off my last message (since when I have -been unable to communicate) a number of posters and bills began to -make their appearance all over the town, announcing that on Sunday -morning King Pedro would be married to the Princess Isabella, the -beautiful and rather mysterious daughter of the late Pretender, of -whose whereabouts very few even of her own supporters seemed to have -any definite knowledge. - -With great difficulty, and only through the kind assistance of Mr. -Watson the British Consul, I managed to obtain an interview with -General Almaida. The latter, who appeared to be in a state of -considerable agitation, declared the report to be a deliberate canard -set about by the King's supporters. - -Further inquiries, however, led me to the conclusion that the -Princess was actually in the hands of the Royalists, and that having -been won over by the King's courtesy and charm of manner, she had -agreed to the marriage as the natural and happy solution of their -rival claims. The truth of this view was soon demonstrated. - -At an early hour on Sunday morning, all the foreign correspondents in -Portriga received an official invitation to the Cathedral, the -approaches to which were held in considerable force by the King's -troops. The ceremony, which was originally announced for twelve -o'clock, did not take place until nearly one-thirty, owing I believe -to a final attempt on the part of General Almaida to break through -into the centre of the town. His belated effort was easily -frustrated, as a large number of his followers had already laid down -their arms, recognizing the hopelessness of their position. - -The marriage rites, which were performed by the aged Bishop of -Portriga, were carried through with considerable state. Except for a -momentary interruption half through the service, the authors of which -were promptly arrested and conveyed from the Cathedral, the ceremony -proceeded along its course without any untoward incident. On leaving -the building the Royal Pair were greeted with the utmost enthusiasm -by a large and apparently well contented crowd and drove in state to -the ancient palace of St. Peter, where from time immemorial the -ruling house of Livadia have been accustomed to reside. - -The new Queen of Livadia is a young girl of remarkable beauty--not -unlike an Englishwoman in appearance. She has a wealth of that -wonderful auburn hair, which is frequently to be met with in the -Southern provinces of Livadia, and throughout the ceremony she -conducted herself with a grace and dignity that won the admiration of -all beholders. - -It is not difficult to believe that under its young and happily -endowed rulers, who will be guided by that experienced statesman the -Marquis da Freitas, the country will soon recover from the troublous -times through which it has been recently passing. - - -Having read so far, Lady Jocelyn laid down the paper, and leaned back -against the sofa. For a minute or so she remained there motionless, -gazing straight out in front of her with an expression such as few -people had ever seen upon her naturally shrewd and cheerful face. - -At last, with a faint sigh, she picked up the paper again, and stared -once more at the blatant headlines. - -"Oh, my poor Tony," she said softly to herself. "My poor dear boy!" - -The words had hardly left her lips when the noise of a motor pulling -up outside came in plainly through the open window. A moment later -the front door bell pealed loudly. - -Lady Jocelyn got up, and walking slowly to the door intercepted the -maid who was in the act of crossing the landing. - -"I am not at home, Ellen," she said, "unless it's Mr. Henry Conway. -I am expecting him, so you can bring him straight upstairs." - -"Yes, M'lady," murmured the girl sympathetically. - -All Lady Jocelyn's servants adored her, and although to them Isabel's -abrupt disappearance was still a complete mystery, they were very -troubled and upset at the obvious effect which it had produced upon -their mistress. - -Walking back across the room Lady Jocelyn had just reached her former -seat, when a sudden sound of voices in the hall below made her pause -abruptly. An exclamation escaped from her lips, and with an -unconscious movement she stretched out her arm and caught hold of the -back of the sofa to steady herself. The next moment footsteps came -scrambling up the stairs, and forgetful of all her professional -training, Ellen burst wildly into the room, her round face shining -with excitement. - -"Oh, M'lady! It's Miss Isabel and Sir Antony, M'lady--and--and Mr. -Oliver." - -Even as she spoke the first-named couple appeared in the doorway, and -with a little glad cry, Lady Jocelyn stepped forward, holding out her -hands. - -"Tony! Isabel!" she whispered; then as they hurried towards her, and -each threw their arms round her, she added, half laughing, half -crying: "Oh, you dear, bad children! How you've frightened me!" - -In the middle of their embrace, Guy Oliver followed them into the -room. With the exception of a slight trace of sunburn he looked as -sedate and respectable as ever; indeed the thought of him standing on -a blood-stained beach blazing away with a revolver seemed like the -wildest fancy of an imaginative dipsomaniac. - -"We only landed at Southampton early this morning," explained Tony -penitently; "and I couldn't spoil things by telegraphing." - -At this point Ellen, who had been standing contemplating the scene -with the frankest curiosity, suddenly woke up to a realization of her -professional lapse. With a reluctant sigh she withdrew noiselessly -from the room, closing the door behind her, and dashed off downstairs -to communicate the exciting tidings to her fellow-servants. - -With their arms round Lady Jocelyn, Tony and Isabel conducted her -gently to the sofa, and seated themselves one on each side of her. -Guy took his place in an armchair facing them. - -"You must forgive me, Guy," said Lady Jocelyn. "I am so happy and -excited I haven't even said how do you do, and I'm sure it's all -through you that I have got my mad children back alive and well." - -"Of course it is," exclaimed Tony. "If Guy hadn't waded in and -slaughtered half the Livadian police force on the beach, we shouldn't -have had a dog's chance of getting clear. Isn't that so, Isabel?" - -Isabel nodded. "He was very brave," she said gratefully. "I shall -never forget how fierce and splendid he looked." - -Poor Guy's face turned a vivid crimson. - -"I wish I had seen him," remarked Lady Jocelyn, with considerable -regret in her voice; "but it seems to me we are beginning at the -wrong end." She stooped forward and picked up the _Daily Mail_, -which had fallen to the floor. "Look at that," she added, pointing -to the headlines, "and for pity's sake tell me what it all means." - -"I've seen it," said Tony. "It means that even Lord Northcliffe may -be deceived at times." He paused. "I didn't tell you quite -everything before we started, Aunt Fanny. I had some silly idea it -might worry you." - -"Never mind," said Lady Jocelyn generously. "If you will make up for -it now, I think I might manage to forgive you." - -She took Isabel's slim hand in hers and leaned back against the sofa. - -"I'll try," said Tony gravely; "but Guy and Isabel will have to help. -It's the sort of story that requires at least three strong people, if -one wants to tell it properly." - -The incompleteness of his previous confidences had of course lain in -the fact that hitherto he had omitted all mention of the leading rôle -played by Molly during the latter stages of the proceedings. Going -back now to the point at which she had first told him of her secret -marriage to Pedro, he described in full detail how the main idea of a -possible rescue had originated with her, and the daring and skilful -manner in which she had thrown herself into the scheme. - -He gave a rapid account of their run down through the night to -Southampton, and of how--thanks to McEwen--they had managed to reach -Portriga in a time for which the nominal horse-power of the _Betty's_ -engines failed to convey any adequate explanation. - -Then, after describing the respective arrivals on board of Jimmy and -Colonel Saltero, he went on to explain how they had all come to a -unanimous decision that in a raid on the Château of Saint Anna lay -their only possible chance of success. With an account of that -immortal drive and of their experiences in the Château he at length -brought the story down to the moment when Molly and the Count had -retired upstairs to administer spiritual consolation to the Princess -Isabella. - -At this point he paused. - -"I think that's about my share," he observed unselfishly. "You go on -now, Isabel; tell Aunt Fanny the rest of it." - -Lady Jocelyn, who had been listening to him with an expression of -entranced interest, sat upright in her seat, still holding Isabel's -hand. - -"What an amazing and delightful person this Molly Monk must be!" she -exclaimed. "And to think that she is the granddaughter of old Monk -at the Lodge! I always said there was something extraordinarily -bracing in the Helbeck air." - -"I think she must be the bravest and cleverest girl that ever lived," -said Isabel with shining eyes. "You know I hadn't the faintest -suspicion that she wasn't a real clergyman until the Count had gone -out of the room. You can't imagine what I felt like when she -suddenly bolted the door and began to talk to me. I was so -astonished at first that I don't believe I could have done anything -by myself, but she was as cool and quiet about it all as if it was -just the most ordinary thing in the world. All the time she was -talking she was making me change clothes with her, and by the time we -had got into each other's things I didn't feel frightened or stupid -any longer. - -"Then, while she was doing up my hair and putting on my wig, she -began to ask me questions--whether I spoke to the Count in English -(which I always had done)--how I behaved as a rule when he came into -the room--and, and other things of that sort. I tried to answer as -well as I could, and you can't think how quick and clever she was at -understanding. She made me walk about and sit down and talk to her, -and by the time she had finished dressing herself and had done her -hair like mine, she was able to imitate me so exactly that I could -hardly believe it was real. - -"We were expecting the Count back every minute then; so she unbolted -the door and told me as quickly as possible what I was to do when he -came. She said that whatever happened I was not to answer him if he -spoke to me, but only to nod or shake my head, and leave everything -else to her. - -"Then we heard him on the stairs, and she sat down quite quietly in -the chair I generally used, and made me stand just beside her with my -back to the door." - -Isabel paused, as if the memory of that rather tense experience still -lingered poignantly in her mind. - -"I'd have given a thousand pounds to be there," observed Tony -regretfully. "It must have been the best moment of the whole show." - -"I wouldn't go through it again for anything in the world," declared -Isabel with a reminiscent shiver. "It was like standing on the edge -of some horrible precipice waiting to be pushed over." She paused -again. "I can't tell you exactly what happened," she went on. "I -suppose I was too excited to take it in properly. I know that he -spoke to me first, and that Molly interrupted him and said something -about feeling a great deal happier and not minding so much now that -she was going to be married. I remember that she held her -handkerchief up to her eyes as if she had been crying, and that the -Count seemed very pleased and satisfied and patted her on the -shoulder. - -"Then almost before I knew what was happening we were walking down -the stairs together. I heard him talking, but I don't know the least -what he said, because when we got to the head of the banisters I -suddenly caught sight of Tony and Mr. Dale standing in the hall, and -somehow that put everything else out of my head. It was all I could -do to stop giving a shout and rushing down to them." - -"Well, you didn't show any sign of it," said Tony. "I never saw a -more dignified descent in my life." - -"I am sure I should have dropped dead from sheer excitement," -remarked Lady Jocelyn sympathetically. "It's marvellous what sound -nerves you've got, Isabel; considering the shocking way your father -used to drink." - -"It all happened so quickly," said Isabel, "I simply didn't have time -to do anything silly. I just got straight into the car, and in -another minute we were rushing away down the hill, and nothing in the -whole world seemed to matter then." - -"And how about the drive back and the battle on the beach?" inquired -Lady Jocelyn. "Come along, Tony, I insist upon knowing everything." - -"Oh, the first part was very simple," said Tony. "We dropped dear -old Paqueta at the point where we picked him up, and I think he was -quite sorry to say good-bye to us. Then we jogged along comfortably -till we came to Portriga. Of course we were on the lookout for -trouble there, because of the row we had had with the policeman in -the morning. Nothing happened, however, until we were just reaching -the beach, and then two savage looking gentlemen jumped out at us in -the most unfriendly way. We should have been quite all right, only -as luck would have it there was a big cart drawn right across the -track that ran down to the jetty. We couldn't pass it, so we had to -pull up and get out. After that--" he broke off with a smile, "well, -you had better ask Guy to tell you the rest," he finished. "He's so -saturated with blood and slaughter that he will be able to do justice -to it." - -"Go on, Guy," said Lady Jocelyn. "Don't mind my feelings." - -"He is talking the most absolute nonsense," exclaimed Guy -indignantly. "Bugg and I were waiting on the quay--we had come -ashore with the Captain to fetch him--and of course when we saw them -being attacked we naturally came to their help. Tony had already -knocked down about three people, so there was practically nothing -left for us to do. I am afraid I did shoot one of the policemen with -a revolver that I happened to have with me, but I am thankful to say -that he was only wounded in the shoulder." - -"He's ashamed of himself," said Tony mercilessly; "that's what's the -matter. Why he came up the beach like a roaring tiger, and if it -hadn't----" - -There was a knock at the door, and almost simultaneously Ellen -presented herself on the threshold. - -"If you please, M'lady, Mr. Henry Conway has called." - -"Henry!" repeated Tony; "what a joke. It just needed Henry to make -the party perfect." - -Lady Jocelyn looked round her with an exclamation of dismay. - -"Oh dear!" she exclaimed. "I quite forgot to tell you I was -expecting him. He rang up early this morning and left a message that -he was coming round. I think he wants to know where you are, Tony." - -"I am not quite sure myself yet," said Tony; "but I shall be -delighted to give him all the information I have." He got up from -the sofa. "Besides," he added, "it will be a good opportunity to -introduce him to Isabel." - -"Are you serious?" demanded Guy. "Do you really mean you want to see -him?" - -"Certainly I do," replied Tony. "I think people ought to meet their -new relations as soon as possible." - -"Very well," said Lady Jocelyn. "Show him up, Ellen." Then she -turned to Tony. "Are you going to tell him everything?" - -"Of course not," said Tony. "We must keep Isabel's past an absolute -secret between ourselves. I have given my word to Da Freitas about -that." - -"But you know what Henry is," objected Guy. "He is sure to ask all -sorts of questions right away." - -"Well, if he does," said Tony, "we must give him an evasive -answer--like the sailor." - -Before Guy had recovered from this reply, footsteps were heard -ascending the stairs, and the next moment Henry was ushered into the -room. - -As he caught sight of its occupants he paused dramatically on the -threshold; his naturally stolid face expanding into an expression of -the utmost surprise. - -"You here!" he exclaimed, addressing himself to Tony. "Why I have -been hunting London for you the last twenty-four hours." - -"I hope you had good sport," said Tony. - -"I wish you wouldn't disappear like that and not leave any address -behind," proceeded Henry in an aggrieved voice, "I had some very -important business I wished to see you about." - -"I am so sorry," replied Tony; "but as a matter of fact I had some -very important business too." He took Isabel's hand, and assisted -her up from the sofa. "I have been getting engaged to be married." - -For a moment Henry stared at him in dumb amazement. - -"Is--is this a fact?" he stammered. - -"I should think it was," replied Tony cheerfully. "Let me introduce -you to Isabel. This is Cousin Henry, Isabel. I'm sure you'll get -along together splendidly." - -By a tremendous effort Henry managed to pull himself together. - -"You must forgive me," he said with a quite creditable bow to Isabel. -"Tony took me so completely by surprise I scarcely knew what I was -saying." He turned to Lady Jocelyn and Guy. "Why have I heard -nothing about this?" he demanded. - -"We only heard about it ourselves ten minutes ago," replied Lady -Jocelyn soothingly. "Tony always does things in that sort of way, -you know." - -Henry's eyes travelled back to Isabel, and rested on her with -admiration--not, however, untinged by a certain trace of doubt. - -"You must forgive me," he said again, "but at present I haven't even -the pleasure of knowing your name." - -"Isabel," repeated Tony, "Isabel Francis. It's a nice name, isn't -it?" - -To this inquiry Henry returned no answer. - -"Are you any relation of Sir George Francis of Laurence Weston?" he -asked. - -Isabel shook her head. "I don't think so," she replied simply. - -"As a matter of fact," said Tony, "Isabel has no relations at all. -That's one of her chief charms." - -"No relations at all!" exclaimed Henry in an aghast and incredulous -voice. - -"Not one," said Tony firmly. "But you needn't worry about that, -Henry. Our engagement has the warm approval of both Aunt Fanny and -Guy." - -"That's quite right," said Lady Jocelyn, nodding her head. "I think -Tony is a great deal luckier than he deserves." - -Henry turned to Guy. "And you too?" he demanded. - -Guy rose manfully to the occasion. - -"If I was in Tony's place," he declared, "I should be the proudest -and happiest man in the world." - -With the air of one who has been unexpectedly torpedoed Henry -abandoned the unequal contest. - -"In that case," he observed in a slightly dazed tone, "I can only -offer you both my sincere congratulations." - -"I knew you would be pleased," said Tony. "You always wanted me to -get married, didn't you?" - -"I hope," continued Henry, addressing himself to Isabel, "that before -long we may have the pleasure of becoming better acquainted. -Unfortunately I can't stay now, because I have an important political -appointment at half-past twelve." - -"What a pity," remarked Lady Jocelyn. "I was just going to suggest -that you should stay and lunch with us." - -"It's very kind of you," said Henry; "but I'm afraid my presence at -the House is indispensable." He turned back to Tony. "You must -bring Miss Francis round to see us as soon as possible," he added, -"this afternoon if you can. I know that Laura will be intensely -anxious to meet her." - -"I am sure of that," said Tony. "We are a bit full up, but we'll -come along if we can. Anyhow, you will be able to let Laura know -what a charming girl Isabel is." - -He smiled cheerfully at his cousin, and the latter, whose faculties -still seemed to be suffering a little from the shock that they had -received, shook hands all round and withdrew from the room. - -"I think he took it splendidly," said Tony, as soon as the door was -closed. "There's lots of grit in the Conway family when it comes to -the point." - -"Are you really going round there this afternoon?" inquired Guy. - -Tony shook his head. "I am afraid we sha'n't have time," he said. -"I have to go and get a special license and I believe it's a most -exhausting business." - -"A special license!" exclaimed Lady Jocelyn. "Do you mean you are -going to be married at once?" - -"Of course we are," said Tony. "I am not going to run any more risk -of losing Isabel. Once we are married she will be quite safe -whatever happens. They can't have her back then without making me -King of Livadia, and I think that even Congosta would draw the line -at that." - -"It's the best plan, Aunt Fanny," put in Guy quietly. "We talked it -all over on the boat coming back. This man Congosta is still in -London, and if he was to come across Tony and Isabel it might lead to -all sorts of trouble. The safest thing is for them to get married -and go away at once on the _Betty_. Congosta will probably return to -Livadia before long, but meanwhile it's absolutely essential that -they should both keep out of the way." - -"I suppose it is," admitted Lady Jocelyn. "From what you have told -me I should imagine he would be a very unpleasant person to have -hanging about while one was trying to enjoy a honeymoon." She got up -from the sofa. "You haven't half finished the story yet," she added. -"I want to know all sorts of things--how you propose to account for -Molly's sudden disappearance from the Gaiety, and what's happened to -that nice friend of yours who provided you with the car. He seems to -be a remarkably amiable and obliging young man, but I am afraid he -must have rather damaged his prospects of making a comfortable living -in Livadia." - -"Jimmy's all right," said Tony. "He came back with us, and we are -going to start a shop together in Piccadilly. As for Molly--well, I -don't think we shall have any real trouble there. She has no -relations who are likely to make a fuss, and we have fixed up a good -sound lie for the theatre that ought to keep them quiet." - -"You shall tell me about it when I come back," said Lady Jocelyn. "I -must go downstairs first and talk to the cook, or else we sha'n't -have enough to eat for lunch. You are all going to stay of course." - -"I'm afraid I can't," replied Guy, shaking his head. "I must get -back to Hampstead as soon as possible. There are a lot of things to -see to before Tony goes away." - -"If you are thinking of giving us a wedding present," said Tony, "we -should like the revolver with which you murdered the policeman." - -"Come along, Guy," said Lady Jocelyn, taking his arm. "They are an -ungrateful pair of children, and we will leave them to their fate." - - -"I wish I was really rich," said Tony, as the door closed. "I should -like to buy Long Acre and put a high wall round it, and never let any -one go into it except ourselves." He took Isabel's hands and drew -her gently towards him. "I can't think of anything else," he added, -"that isn't absolutely and splendidly perfect." - -"Only about Molly," answered Isabel, looking up at him with rather -troubled eyes. "Oh, Tony, you do think she's safe and happy, don't -you?" - -"I am sure of it," said Tony confidently. "They can never go back on -what they have done, and in about two months Molly will have the -whole place under her thumb. If any one's going to be unhappy it -will be Da Freitas and the Count de Sé." - -"Oh, I do hope so," said Isabel feelingly. Then she paused, and took -a long breath. "She will make a wonderful queen, Tony. She will be -as good at it as I should have been bad." - -"You were meant for something much nicer than that," said Tony. - -He drew her down into his arms, and bending forward pressed a long -and passionate kiss upon her soft and slightly parted lips. - -"I love kissing you, Isabel," he remarked. "You always taste of -crushed violets." - -"Do I?" said Isabel dreamily. "I'm so glad, Tony." - -"So am I," said Tony; and with some deliberation he kissed her again. - - - -THE END - - - - - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LADY FROM LONG ACRE *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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