ons which no one else has
remarked. It is a plan which, I confess, appears wild, but what is _not_
wild in this unhappy affair? Science, as a rule beneficent, has given
birth to potentialities of crime which exceed the dreams of oriental
romance. But science, like the spear of Achilles, can cure the wounds
which herself inflicts.'

Logan spoke calmly, but eloquently, as every reader must observe. He was
no longer the fierce Border baron of an hour agone, but the polished
modern gentleman. The millionaire marked the change.

'Any further mystery cannot but be distasteful, Lord Fastcastle,' said
Mr. Macrae.

'The truth is,' said Logan, 'that if my plan takes shape important
persons and interests will be involved. I myself will be involved, and,
for reasons both public and private, it seems to me to the last degree
essential that you should in no way appear; that you should be able,
honestly, to profess entire ignorance. If I fail, I give you my word of
honour that your position will be in no respect modified by my action. If
I succeed--'

'Then you will, indeed, be my preserver,' said the millionaire.

'Not I, but my friend, Mr. Merton,' said Logan, 'who, by the way, ought
to accompany me. In Mr. Merton's genius for success in adventures
entailing a mystery more dark, and personal dangers far greater, than
those involved by my scheme (which is really quite safe), I have
confidence based on large experience. To Merton alone I owe it that I am
a married, a happy, and, speaking to any one but yourself, I might say an
affluent man. This adventure must be achieved, if at all, _auspice
Merton_.'

'I also have much confidence in him, and I sincerely love him,' said Mr.
Macrae, to the delight of Logan. He then paced silently up and down in
deep thought. 'You say that your scheme involves you in no personal
danger?' he asked.

'In none, or only in such as men encounter daily in several professions.
Merton and I like it.'

'And you will not suffer in character if you fail?'

'Certainly not in character; no gentleman of my coat ever entered on
enterprise so free from moral blame,' said Logan, 'since my ancestor and
namesake, Sir Robert, fell at the side of the good Lord James of Douglas,
above the Heart of Bruce.'

He thrilled and changed colour as he spoke.

'Yet it would not do for _me_ to be known to be connected with the
enterprise?' asked Mr. Macrae.

'Indeed it would not! Your notorious opulence w