isbane; he wants to know who would suspect it of
containing an Old Master, too? But he's had it fitted with a new
Chubb's lock, and I managed to take an interest in the key while he was
gloating over the canvas. I had the wax in the palm of my hand, and I
shall make my duplicate this afternoon."

Raffles looked at his watch and jumped up saying he had given me a
minute too much.

"By the way," he added, "you've got to dine with him at the Metropole
to-night!"

"I?"

"Yes; don't look so scared. Both of us are invited--I swore you were
dining with me. I accepted for us both; but I sha'n't be there."

His clear eye was upon me, bright with meaning and with mischief.

I implored him to tell me what his meaning was.

"You will dine in his private sitting-room," said Raffles; "it adjoins
his bedroom. You must keep him sitting as long as possible, Bunny, and
talking all the time!"

In a flash I saw his plan.

"You're going for the picture while we're at dinner?"

"I am."

"If he hears you?"

"He sha'n't."

"But if he does!"

And I fairly trembled at the thought.

"If he does," said Raffles, "there will be a collision, that's all.
Revolver would be out of place in the Metropole, but I shall certainly
take a life-preserver."

"But it's ghastly!" I cried. "To sit and talk to an utter stranger and
to know that you're at work in the next room!"

"Two thousand apiece," said Raffles, quietly.

"Upon my soul I believe I shall give it away!"

"Not you, Bunny. I know you better than you know yourself."

He put on his coat and his hat.

"What time have I to be there?" I asked him, with a groan.

"Quarter to eight. There will be a telegram from me saying I can't
turn up. He's a terror to talk, you'll have no difficulty in keeping
the ball rolling; but head him off his picture for all you're worth.
If he offers to show it to you, say you must go. He locked up the case
elaborately this afternoon, and there's no earthly reason why he should
unlock it again in this hemisphere."

"Where shall I find you when I get away?"

"I shall be down at Esher. I hope to catch the 9.55."

"But surely I can see you again this afternoon?" I cried in a ferment,
for his hand was on the door. "I'm not half coached up yet! I know I
shall make a mess of it!"

"Not you," he said again, "but _I_ shall if I waste any more time.
I've got a deuce of a lot of rushing about to do yet. You won't find
me at my rooms. Why