it all right."

In a gingerly way he moved to one side the heavy object he had been
carrying, and then, as if taking shelter behind her, he followed the old
woman out through the door.

"What's this you're taking out of the house, Anna?" Mr. Hayley's tone
was not very pleasant. "You mustn't mind my asking you. My aunt, as you
know, told me to remain here to-day to look after things."

"Only my luggage it is," stammered Anna. "I had hoped to have cleared
out my room while the wedding in progress was."

"Your luggage?" repeated James Hayley uncomfortably. He was now feeling
rather foolish, and it was to him a very disturbing because an unusual
sensation.

"Yes, my luggage," repeated Anna. "And this"--she hesitated a
moment--"this person here is going to look for a man to help carry out
my heavy boxes. There are two. He cannot manage them himself."

James Hayley looked surprised, but to her great relief, he allowed the
stranger to slip by, and Anna for a moment watched the little man
walking off at a smart pace towards the gate house. She wondered how she
could manage to send him a message when the tiresome, inquisitive Mr.
Hayley had gone.

"But whose motor is that?" Mr. Hayley went on, in a puzzled tone. "You
must forgive me for asking you, Anna, but you know we live in odd
times." He had followed her into the kitchen, and was now standing there
with her. As she made no answer, he suddenly espied the odd-looking
parcel which stood close to his feet, where the stranger had put it
down.

Mr. Hayley stooped, really with the innocent intention of moving the
parcel out of the way. "Good gracious!" he cried. "This is a tremendous
weight, Anna. What on earth have you got in there?" He was now dragging
it along the floor.

"Don't do that, sir," she exclaimed involuntarily. "It's fragile."

"Fragile?" he repeated. "Nonsense! It must be iron or copper. What is
it, Anna?"

She shook her head helplessly. "I do not know. It is something I have
been keeping for a friend."

His face changed. He took a penknife out of his pocket, and ripped off
the stout paper covering.

Then, before the astonished Anna could make a movement, he very quietly
pinioned her elbows and walked her towards the door giving into the
hall.

"Captain Joddrell?" he called out. And with a bewildered feeling of
abject fear, Anna heard the quick steps of the soldier echoing down the
hall.

"Yes; what is it?"

"I want your help over something."