ndon; we'll get there to-night," he said.

"Then why did you tell him we were going to York?"

"Because it suited my purpose," he replied.

CHAPTER XXII

JANE SUSPECTS

The journey to London was accomplished without mishap. Carl was a good
driver; the car sped along at a rapid pace. Jane enjoyed the ride; the
scenery was new to her, and she was observant.

Arriving at the city he drove to the Fairfax Hotel, a quiet place
mostly used by families. There was no garage. Leaving Jane there, he
went to put up the car.

She waited for him. He seemed a long time coming. She did not care to
leave the room in his absence.

At last he came. He made no apology for being away so long; he seemed
preoccupied and said little.

They dined together, and then he took her out. The streets were dull
and dark, very few lights in the shops, hardly any in the streets. The
noise and bustle confused her.

"There's not much to see at night," he said; "we'll have a look round
to-morrow."

"What's that?" she asked in alarm.

"A searchlight," he replied laughing. "There's any amount of them but
they don't appear to be of much service."

"What are they used for?"

"To discover the whereabouts of Zeppelins."

"It can't be very safe here?"

"It's safe enough; they won't drop bombs near where we are staying."

"How do you know?"

"Oh well, it's not likely; they'll go for something more important than
the Fairfax Hotel," he replied.

Jane was tired. They went to bed early. She awoke in the middle of
the night and found Carl missing. She thought this strange. There was
a dim light burning. She sat up; perhaps he had only gone out of the
room, then she noticed his clothes were not there; he had evidently
dressed.

She tried to sleep but could not. She was afraid and shivered under
the bed-clothes. He had no right to leave her in the hotel at this
hour. His actions were mysterious; he always appeared to have
something to do in the night. She had no watch and wondered what time
it was; then she heard a clock strike one. He must have gone out when
she fell asleep.

Soon after she heard an explosion. It sounded some distance away.
Then she heard movements in the house, people hurrying about, voices
calling. It was strange and disquieting.

Some one paused outside her door; then she heard the handle turn and
Carl came into the room, swiftly, silently, closing the door after him
and locking it.

She pr