e
William, the clean-shaven and highly-respectable valet, awaited him.

The "ninety" was garaged, I found, almost opposite, and when I returned
to the flat the Honourable Robert was at the telephone in the
dining-room talking to the man we had left near Welwyn.

The elderly woman who acted as cook showed me my room, gave me my
dinner, and I sat smoking with William for an hour or so afterwards.

The valet was a very inquisitive person, and I could not fail to notice
how cleverly he tried to pump me concerning my post. He, however, failed
to obtain much from me.

"The guv'nor is one of the best fellows alive--a thorough sportsman," he
informed me. "Respect his confidence, and don't breathe a word to any
one as to his doings, and you'll find your place worth hundreds a year."

"But why these strict injunctions regarding silence?" I inquired, in the
hope of learning something.

"Well--because he's compelled to mix himself up with queer affairs and
queer people sometimes, and in his position as the younger son of a peer
it wouldn't do if it leaked out. I simply act as he bids, and seek no
explanation. You'll have to do the same."

Hardly had he ceased speaking when "the guv'nor," in dinner-jacket and
black tie, entered, and said:

"William, I want you to take a letter for me to Raven at Nottingham by
the next train. It leaves St. Pancras at 10.45. You'll be there at 2.30
in the morning. He's at the 'Black Boy.' Get an answer and take the 5.50
back. You'll be here again soon after nine in the morning."

"Very well, sir," answered the valet, taking the letter from his
master's hand; and ten minutes later he went downstairs to catch his
train.

This incident showed that Robert Brackenbury was essentially a man of
action. His keen, dark aquiline face, bright, sharp eyes, and quick,
almost electric movements combined to show him to be a man of nerve,
resource, and rapid decision. The square lower jaw betokened hard
determination, while at the same time his manner was easy, nonchalant,
and essentially that of a born gentleman.

William returned next morning, and a few days passed uneventfully. Both
morning and evening each day, at hours prearranged, he "got on" to
Shand, but their conversations were very enigmatical. Several times I
happened to be in the room, but could learn nothing from the talk, which
seemed, in the main, to refer to the rise and fall of certain mining
shares.

Each day I drove him out in the "n