was too!--disappeared a while ago,
goin' out across the Fens after night-time when 'e was warned not to.
Never seen a sight of 'im since--though I'm not mournin' any, as you kin
see!"

"_Go on!_" Dollops' voice expressed incredulity, amazement, and an awed
interest that rather flattered the butler.

"True as I'm sittin' 'ere!" he responded grimly. "And before that a
friend of Sir Nigel's--a fine, big upstandin' man 'e were, name of
Wynne--went the same way. Got a little the worse for drink and laughed
at the story. Said 'e'd go out and investigate for 'imself. 'E never come
back from that day to this!"

"Gawd's truf! 'Ow orful! You won't find yer 'umble a 'ankerin' after the
fresh air come night-time!" broke in Dollops with a little shiver of
terror that was remarkably real. "I'll keep to me downy thank you, an' as
you say, Mr. Borkins, leave well enough alone. You're a wise gentleman,
you are!"

Borkins, flattered, still further expanded.

"I won't say as all you cockney chaps are the same as Collins," he
returned magnanimously, "for it takes all kinds ter make a world. If you
feels inclined some time, I'll walk you down to the Pig and Whistle and
you shall 'ave a word or two with a chap I know. 'E'll tell yer somethink
that'll make your 'air stand on end. You jist trot along ter me when
you're free, and we'll take a little stroll together."

Dollops' countenance widened into a delighted grin.

Later, Dollops, in the act of laying out Cleek's clothes for dinner,
while Cleek himself unpacked leisurely and made the braces that held the
mirror of the dressing-table gay with multi-coloured ties, gave out the
news of his promised visit to the Pig and Whistle with the august Borkins
with something akin to triumph.

"That's right, lad, that's right. Get friendly with 'em!" returned Cleek
with a pleased smile. "I've an idea we're going to have a pretty lively
time down here, if I'm not much mistaken. Stick to that chap Borkins as
you would to glue. Don't let him get away from you. Follow him wherever
he goes, but don't let the other servants in the place slip out from your
watchful eye, either. Those Frozen Flames want looking into. I have grave
suspicions of Borkins. His sort generally knows more than almost any
other sort, and he appeared to be sizing me up pretty carefully. I
shouldn't wonder at all, if he had an idea already that I am not the 'man
about town' I appear to be. It will be rotten luck if he has.... T