ld be to wound Sir Richard in his
tenderest place and to no purpose.

"It is not a matter of what I would," he answered slowly, wearily
almost. "It is a matter of what I must. Here in England is no more to
be done. Moreover, there's danger for you in lingering, or I'm much
mistaken else."

"Danger of what?" asked Sir Richard, with indifference.

"You are being spied upon."

"Pho! I am accustomed to it. I have been spied upon all my life."

"Like enough. But this time the spies are messengers from the secretary
of state. I caught a glimpse of them lurking about your doorway--three
or four at least--and as I entered I all but fell over a Mr. Green--a
most pertinacious gentleman with whom I have already some acquaintance.
He is the very man who searched me at Maidstone; he has kept his eye
upon me ever since, which has not troubled me. But that he should keep
an eye on you means that your identity is suspected, and if that be
so--well, the sooner we are out of England the better for your health."

Sir Richard shook his head calmly. The fine-featured, lean old face
showed no sign of uneasiness. "A fig for all that!" said he. "I go not
thus--empty-handed as I came. After all these years of waiting."

A knock fell upon the door, and Sir Richard's man entered. His face was
white, his eyes startled.

"Sir Richard," he announced, his voice lowered portentously, "there are
some men here who insist upon seeing you."

Mr. Caryll wheeled in his chair. "Surely they did not ask for him by
name?" he inquired in the same low key employed by the valet.

The man nodded in silence. Mr. Caryll swore through his teeth. Sir
Richard rose.

"I am occupied at present," he said in a calm voice. "I can receive
nobody. Desire to know their business. If it imports, bid them come
again to-morrow."

"It is over-urgent for that, Sir Richard Everard," came the soft voice
of Mr. Green, who thrust himself suddenly forward past the servant.
Other figures were seen moving behind him in the ante-room.

"Sir," cried Sir Richard angrily. "This is a most insolent intrusion.
Bentley, show this fellow the door."

Bentley set a hand on Mr. Green's shoulder. Mr. Green nimbly twisted
out of it, and produced a paper. "I have here a warrant for your
apprehension, Sir Richard, from my Lord Carteret, the secretary of
state."

Mr. Caryll advanced menacingly upon the tipstaff. Mr. Green stepped
back, and fell into a defensive attitude, balancing a short