gold watch-chain with all that it held, plucked out the great diamond pin
that sparkled in the black satin tie, dragged off four rings--not one of
which could have cost less than three figures and finally tore from his
inner pocket a bulky leather note-book. All this property he transferred
to his own black overcoat, and added to it the man's pearl cuff-links,
and even the golden stud which held his collar. Having made sure that
there was nothing else to take, the robber flashed his lantern upon the
prostrate chauffeur, and satisfied himself that he was stunned and not
dead. Then, returning to the master, he proceeded very deliberately to
tear all his clothes from his body with a ferocious energy which set his
victim whimpering and writhing in imminent expectation of murder.

Whatever his tormentor's intention may have been, it was very effectually
frustrated. A sound made him turn his head, and there, no very great
distance off, were the lights of a car coming swiftly from the north.
Such a car must have already passed the wreckage which this pirate had
left behind him. It was following his track with a deliberate purpose,
and might be crammed with every county constable of the district.

The adventurer had no time to lose. He darted from his bedraggled
victim, sprang into his own seat, and with his foot on the accelerator
shot swiftly off down the road. Some way down there was a narrow side
lane, and into this the fugitive turned, cracking on his high speed and
leaving a good five miles between him and any pursuer before he ventured
to stop. Then, in a quiet corner, he counted over his booty of the
evening--the paltry plunder of Mr. Ronald Barker, the rather
better-furnished purses of the actresses, which contained four pounds
between them, and, finally, the gorgeous jewellery and well-filled note-
book of the plutocrat upon the Daimler. Five notes of fifty pounds, four
of ten, fifteen sovereigns, and a number of valuable papers made up a
most noble haul. It was clearly enough for one night's work. The
adventurer replaced all his ill-gotten gains in his pocket, and, lighting
a cigarette, set forth upon his way with the air of a man who has no
further care upon his mind.

* * * * *

It was on the Monday morning following upon this eventful evening that
Sir Henry Hailworthy, of Walcot Old Place, having finished his breakfast
in a leisurely fashion, strolled down to his study with the intention of
writing