might have bloomed, Rob?"

"Myra"--Robert Cairn swallowed noisily--"told me three days ago that
it was expected to bloom before the end of the week."

"What is it like?"

"A thing four feet high, with huge egg-shaped buds."

"Merciful God grant that we are in time," whispered Dr. Cairn. "I
could believe once more in the justice of Heaven, if the great
knowledge of Sir Michael Ferrara should prove to be the weapon to
destroy the fiend whom we raised!--he and I--may we be forgiven!"'

Robert Cairn's excitement was dreadful.

"Can you tell me nothing?" he cried. "What do you hope? What do you
fear?"

"Don't ask me, Rob," replied his father; "you will know within five
minutes."

The car indeed was leaping along the dark suburban roads at a speed
little below that of an express train. Corners the chauffeur
negotiated in racing fashion, so that at times two wheels thrashed the
empty air; and once or twice the big car swung round as upon a pivot
only to recover again in response to the skilled tactics of the
driver.

They roared down the sloping narrow lane to the gate of Mr.
Saunderson's house with a noise like the coming of a great storm, and
were nearly hurled from their seats when the brakes were applied, and
the car brought to a standstill.

Dr. Cairn leapt out, pushed open the gate and ran up to the house, his
son closely following. There was a light in the hall and Miss
Saunderson who had expected them, and had heard their stormy approach,
already held the door open. In the hall--

"Wait here one moment," said Dr. Cairn.

Ignoring Saunderson, who had come out from the library, he ran
upstairs. A minute later, his face very pale, he came running down
again.

"She is worse?" began Saunderson, "but--"

"Give me the key of the orchid-house!" said Dr. Cairn tersely.

"Orchid-house!--"

"Don't hesitate. Don't waste a second. Give me the key."

Saunderson's expression showed that he thought Dr. Cairn to be mad,
but nevertheless he plunged his hand into his pocket and pulled out a
key-ring. Dr. Cairn snatched it in a flash.

"Which key?" he snapped.

"The Chubb, but--"

"Follow me, Rob!"

Down the hall he raced, his son beside him, and Mr. Saunderson
following more slowly. Out into the garden he went and over the lawn
towards the shrubbery.

The orchid-houses lay in dense shadow; but the doctor almost threw
himself against the door.

"Strike a match!" he panted. Then--"Never mind--I have it!"