better than genius. But you're an
English Borderer and therefore half a Scot; you hate to let people
guess your feelings."

"Jake kens," said Lawrence, smiling. "Before very long you'll be a
Borderer, too."

Lucy's eyes were very soft as she turned to Foster. "Then I must adopt
their customs. I think they have a motto, 'Dinna' forget.'"

To Foster's relief, the hotel manager came in and looked at the two
ladies hesitatingly. Neither took the hint and Lucy said, rather
sharply, "Well?"

"Mr. Walters has come round and demands to be let out of his room.
Your man's there, Mr. Foster, and won't let him move."

"Pete's splendid!" said Lucy. "I haven't thanked him yet. Perhaps you
had better go, Lawrence, but take Jake."

Foster beckoned the manager and when they were outside asked: "When do
you expect the police?"

"Some time to-morrow."

"Then we must watch the fellow closely until they come."

They stopped at a room on the second floor, and the manager frowned
when he turned the handle of the door, which would not open.

"Wha's there the noo?" a sharp voice demanded.

Foster laughed as he answered, the door was opened, and they saw
Walters, who looked much the worse for the struggle, lying on a couch,
while Pete stood grimly on guard. Walters glanced at Foster.

"You're something of a surprise," he said. "We didn't expect much from
you."

"That's a mistake other people have made and regretted," Lawrence
remarked.

"Well," said Walters, "I demand to be let out."

Foster shook his head. "I think not. The room is comfortable, and you
won't be here long."

"What are you going to do with me?"

"Hand you to the police."

"On what ground?"

"Attempted murder, to begin with," said Foster dryly.

Walters turned to the manager. "A man can't be arrested without a
warrant. I guess you understand you're making trouble for yourself by
permitting these fellows to lock me in."

"I don't know if it's quite legal or not," Foster admitted, addressing
the manager, who looked irresolute. "Anyhow, you're not responsible,
because we're going to take the matter out of your hands. Besides, you
haven't much of a staff just now and couldn't interfere."

"In a way, that's so," the manager doubtfully agreed. "I don't want a
disturbance in my hotel; I've had enough."

"Very well," said Walters, seeing he could expect no help from him.
"But I'm not going to have this wooden-faced Scotchman in my room. The