ore they put their hands on his shoulder and bring him back."

"Just as if he had stole something!" groaned Jerry.

"So he has," said the sergeant; "a smart, clever young man; and his
clothes and all belonging to the Queen."

"But maybe he'll send the toggery back," pleaded Jerry.

"They don't want the clothes; they want the man!"

CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR.

"TOO LATE! TOO LATE!"

It was about ten o'clock that evening, after the officers had left the
mess-room, that one of the subalterns sauntered up to Lacey's quarters,
where he found the latter waiting for his guests.

"Cigarette?" said Lacey.

"Thanks!" replied the young officer.

"Light?" continued Lacey.

"Thanks!" said the guest; and they two sat smoking in silence, for
Lacey's thoughts were upon Dick Smithson, and upon the night of the ball
and the gallantry which had saved the lives of both him and his
betrothed.

They did not wait long, for, before their cigarettes were finished, Mark
Frayne knocked at the door, and was admitted by Jerry, who stood back
for him to enter, looking very quiet, and then noting that Mark gave a
start, but took no further notice of Draycott's old servant, entering
the room, to be frankly welcomed.

Five minutes later a brother-officer of Mark arrived, and before long,
at the latter's suggestion, the card-table was sought, and the game went
on for a couple of hours in a very quiet, natural way.

Then came an interval for refreshments, and a little chat that was far
from lively. After this the play was resumed, with Jerry seated in the
outer lobby, thinking over the state of affairs.

"She ought to be told of it, and try to stop him," he said to himself.
"He's a baby at cards, and that Mark Frayne fleeces him as hard as ever
he can. I wish something would happen."

Then he thought of Richard's disappearance, and of how glad Mark would
be when he found that his cousin had gone, unless Dick had gone up to
town to consult with some lawyer, who might perhaps put him in the way
of regaining his rights.

"How could he have been such a young donkey to do as he did?" muttered
Jerry; and then, feeling exceedingly drowsy, he refreshed himself with a
cup of strong coffee to make him wakeful.

After about another hour he took in some of the hot coffee, and saw that
the last new pack of cards had been opened and the wrapper tossed upon
the floor; while the players looked hollow-cheeked and pale, too intent
upon their game t