ry undertone to
Streuss. Louise rose and shook out her furs.

"My friend," she said, turning to Von Behrling, "if your friends can
spare you so long, will you fetch one of my maids? You will find
them both in my cabin, number three. I wish to walk for a few
moments before we arrive."

Von Behrling turned away like a man in a dream. Mademoiselle Idiale
followed him slowly, and behind her came Von Behrling's companions.

The details of the great singer's journey had been most carefully
planned by an excited manager who had received the telegram
announcing her journey to London. There was an engaged carriage at
Dover, into which she was duly escorted by a representative of the
Opera Syndicate, who had been sent down from London to receive her.
Von Behrling seemed to be missing. She had seen nothing of him
since he had descended to summon her maids. But just as the train
was starting, she heard the sound of angry voices, and a moment
later his white face was pressed through the open window of the
carriage.

"Louise," he muttered, "I am on fire! I cannot talk to you! I fear
that they suspect something. They have told me that if I travel
with you they will force their way in. Even now, Streuss comes.
Listen for your telephone to-night or whenever I can. I must
think--I must think!"

He passed on, and Louise, leaning back in her seat, closed her eyes.

CHAPTER VII

"WE PLAY FOR GREAT STAKES"

Bellamy, travel-stained and weary, arrived at his rooms at two
o'clock on the following afternoon to find amongst a pile of
correspondence a penciled message awaiting him in a handwriting he
knew well. He tore open the envelope.

DAVID DEAR,--I have just arrived and I am sending you these few
lines at once. As to what progress I have made, I cannot say for
certain, but there is a chance. You had better get the money ready
and come to me here. If R. could only escape from Streuss and
those who watch him all the time, I should be quite sure, but they
are suspicious. What may happen I cannot tell. I do my best and
I have hated it. Get the money ready and come to me.

LOUISE.

Bellamy drew a little breath and tore the note into pieces. Then
he rang for his servant. "A bath and some clean clothes quickly,"
he ordered. "While I am changing, ring up Downing Street and see
if Sir James is there. If not, find out exactly where he is. I