f Blake in all directions. Giambresi must
be telegraphed to again, and entreated to come in person, with yet
another electric machine, for that brought by the false Gianesi had been,
by the same envoy, rendered useless. A mounted man must be despatched to
Lairg to collect vehicles and transport there, and to meet the real
Gianesi if he came that way. Thus Mr. Macrae, with cool patience and
forethought, endeavoured to recover his position, happy in the reflection
that treachery had at last been eliminated. He did not forget to write
telegrams to remote sheriff-substitutes and procurators fiscal.

As to the kidnappers, he determined to amuse them with protracted
negotiations on the subject of his daughter's ransom. These would be
despatched, of course, by the wireless engine which was in tune and touch
with their own. During the parleyings the wretches might make some
blunder, and Mr. Macrae could perhaps think out some plan for their
detection and capture, without risk to his daughter. If not, he must pay
ransom.

Having written out his orders and telegrams, Mr. Macrae went downstairs
to visit the stables. He gave his commands to his servants, and, as he
returned, he met Logan, who had been on the watch for him.

'I am myself again, Mr. Macrae,' said Logan, smiling. 'After all, we are
living in the twentieth century, not the sixteenth, worse luck! And now
can you give me your attention for a few minutes?'

'Willingly,' said Mr. Macrae, and they walked together to a point in the
garden where they were secure from being overheard.

'I must ask you to lend me a horse to ride to Lairg and the railway at
once,' said Logan.

'Must you leave us? You cannot, I fear, catch the 12.50 train south.'

'I shall take a special train if I cannot catch the one I want,' said
Logan, adding, 'I have a scheme for baffling these miscreants and
rescuing Miss Macrae, while disappointing them of the monstrous ransom
which they are certain to claim. If you can trust me, you will enter
into protracted negotiations with them on the matter through the wireless
machine.'

'That I had already determined to do,' said the millionaire. 'But may I
inquire what is your scheme?'

'Would it be asking too much to request you to let me keep it concealed,
even from you? Everything depends on the most absolute secrecy. It must
not appear that you are concerned--must not be suspected. My plan has
been suggested to me by trifling indicati