hese facts, your sudden change of
purpose and advocacy of Paul's immediate arrest seemed the climax of
insincerity.

"Believing that you were cognizant of all that had been done and
procured the arrests, your report of recent Northfield incidents still
further nettled me. To advise immediate arrests already made at your
instigation was insulting effrontery. This apparently hypocritical talk
intensified my suspicions into positive conviction of your deceit. Now I
am sure there is a mistake somewhere. All of us are victims to
counter-purposes of mysterious allied agencies."

Sir Donald saw the force of these explanations. He excused all as
natural to the circumstances.

Both discussed the arrests in many possible and probable bearings. It
was concluded that these bore relation to those before made in
Calcutta. They can only wait. The mystery will soon clear.

For a while at least there will be no danger from Paul's murderous
mania. If these outlaws again are released, Sir Donald will procure
Paul's detention as a madman. He will stay a few days in London, ready
for any emergency.

Though Paul is in close confinement, securely ironed, Sir Donald feels
uneasy for the safety of Esther and Bessie. He sends for them and
Charles. They join him in London. All find accommodations at the hotel
where Charles had stopped.

The family and Bessie are seated in the dining-room. Soon those
interesting strangers slowly enter and take seats at a near table, not
appearing to notice the Randolph group. The woman faces Sir Donald and
Esther, but keeps her eyes cast down, coloring deeply. Her companion
notes the gossiping shades, but appears unconcerned. It is evident that
without looking at any person in particular, he critically surveys those
staring in that direction.

Esther is pale and tremulous with excitement. Sir Donald's view has been
riveted upon that same fascinating face; he longs for a look at those
downcast eyes; the outlines and expression are familiar.

Fine, glossy, raven-black hair is combed in profusion over brow and
temples, but to him the disguise is apparent. An upward glance reveals
that her identity is suspected. Esther's concentrated, startled stare
and Sir Donald's look of recognition cannot be misunderstood. Charles
sees that there is some strange discovery pending. From Esther and Sir
Donald he looks inquiringly to that other troubled, flushed face.

The object of such combined curiosity casts an appeali