y "yes."

"You will stay here until the parson comes," said van Heerden, "and you
will not attempt to escape, will you?"

"No, I won't attempt to escape," she said.

"Lie down."

She sat on the bed and swung her feet clear of the ground, settling
herself comfortably.

"She'll do," said van Heerden, satisfied. "Come downstairs, Milsom, I
have something to say to you."

So they left her, lying with her cheek on her hand, more absorbed in the
pattern on the wall-paper than in the tremendous events which
threatened.

"Well, what's the trouble?" asked Milsom, seating himself in his
accustomed place by the table.

"This," said van Heerden, and threw a letter across to him. "It came by
one of my scouts this morning--I didn't go home last night. I cannot
risk being shadowed here."

Milsom opened the letter slowly and read:

"A man called upon you yesterday afternoon and has made several
calls since. He was seen by Beale, who cross-examined him. Man
calls himself Stardt, but is apparently not British. He is staying
at Saraband Hotel, Berners Street."

"Who is this?" asked Milsom.

"I dare not hope----" replied the doctor, pacing the room nervously.

"Suppose you dared, what form would your hope take?"

"I told you the other day," said van Heerden, stopping before his
companion, "that I had asked my Government to assist me. Hitherto they
have refused, that is why I am so desperately anxious to get this
marriage through. I must have money. The Paddington place costs a small
fortune--you go back there to-night, by the way----"

Milsom nodded.

"Has the Government relented?" he asked.

"I don't know. I told you that certain significant items in the East
Prussian newspapers seemed to hint that they were coming to my
assistance. They have sent no word to me, but if they should agree they
would send their agreement by messenger."

"And you think this may be the man?"

"It is likely."

"What have you done?"

"I have sent Gregory up to see the man. If he is what I hope he may be,
Gregory will bring him here--I have given him the password."

"What difference will it make?" asked Milsom. "You are on to a big
fortune, anyway."

"Fortune?" The eyes of Dr. van Heerden sparkled and he seemed to expand
at the splendour of the vision which was conjured to his eyes.

"No fortune which mortal man has ever possessed will be comparable. All
the riches of all the world will lie at my feet. Mill