der martyr am I so brave or so unselfish, even for
his dear sake, to yield myself up to--the beasts. This body of mine I
hold much too precious to glut their brutish appetite."

"Why then, Bet, promise me this folly shall cease, you'll see Dalroyd
no more, at least at such an hour--promise me."

"No, Pancras."

"Ha! And wherefore not?"

"Because 'tis so my whim."

"Why then you leave me but one alternative, Betty."

"Prithee--what?"

"I'll stop it in despite of you."

"Cry you mercy, sir--how?"

"Very simply."

"Ah, Pancras, you mean a--duel? No no, not that--you shall not--I
forbid such folly!" The Viscount smiled. "He'd kill you, Pan, I know
it--feel it!" The Viscount's smile grew a little rueful.

"None the less, 'twould resolve the problem--at least for me," he
answered.

"But, Pancras, see how clumsily! O Lud, these meddling men!" she
sighed.

"Heavens, these wilful women!" he retorted.

"Still, Sir Wiseacre, being a woman I'll meet and outwit the beast with
a woman's weapons. So now prithee let there be no thought of such
clumsy weapons as this!" and tapping the ornate hilt of the Viscount's
sword, she rose. "Come," said she, reaching him her hand, "take me
within-doors and I will stay thee with flagons."

Now as they crossed the broad lawn together the balmy air was suddenly
pierced by a shrill and flute-like whistle.

"Aha!" exclaimed the Viscount, stopping suddenly to glance about.

As he stood thus he was amazed by an object which, hurtling from on
high, thudded upon the grass, and stepping forward he picked up a much
worn and battered shoe. From this sorry object his gaze, travelling
aloft, presently discovered a figure which had wriggled itself half out
of a small dormer window beneath the eaves and, despite this perilous
position, was beckoning to him vigorously.

"Oho!" exclaimed the Viscount, turning to my lady Betty. "So you have
him here, 'tis as I thought!" But when he would have waved and saluted
his lordship of Medhurst in return, Betty stayed him with a gesture.

"The servants, Pan--" she warned him.

"You'll take me up, Bet, you'll let me see the old lad?" the Viscount
pleaded. "I've been scheming out ways and means of getting him first
to my place in Sussex and then over seas----"

"Phoh!" exclaimed my lady. "And yourself and him dungeoned in the
Tower within the week. How should you know he was hereabouts--'twas
that Major d'Arcy, I'll vow!"

"True, he