spectfully.

I nodded.

"Thank you, Grooton," I said. "I shall be prepared then for anything
that may happen. If you hear anything further let me know."

"I shall not fail to do so, sir," he answered.

He bowed and withdrew. Then as I lit my pipe and resumed my seat it
suddenly occurred to me that the man who was chiefly concerned in this
matter should at least be warned. I sat down at my desk and wrote to
Ray. I had scarcely finished when I heard footsteps outside, followed
by an imperious knocking at my front door. I opened it at once. The
Duke and Lady Angela entered. I saw at once from her disturbed
expression that something had happened.

The Duke wore a long cape over his dinner clothes, and he had evidently
walked fast. He looked at me sharply as I rose to my feet.

"Mr. Ducaine," he said, "I have come to ask you to explain the sudden
departure of my son for abroad."

I was taken aback, and I dare say I showed it.

"I have already told Lady Angela--all that I know," I said.

"My daughter's story," the Duke answered, "is incoherent. It tells me
only enough to make me sure that something is being concealed."

I glanced at Lady Angela. She was looking white and troubled.

"I have told my father," she said, "all that I know."

"Then I must discover the rest for myself," the Duke replied. "I know
that Blenavon is uncertain and unstable to a degree. When I heard that
he had left for the Continent, I was not particularly surprised or
interested. I have only just discovered the manner of his leaving. It
puts an entirely different complexion upon the affair. I understand
that he left with Colonel Ray without luggage or explanations of any
sort. His own servant had no warning, and was left behind. My daughter
informs me that such information as she has she gained from you. I
require you to supplement it."

"I am afraid that the only person who can enlighten you further, sir, is
Colonel Ray," I answered. "I understood you to say, I believe, that he
would be here shortly."

"I insist upon it," the Duke said sternly, "that you tell me what you
know at once and without further prevarication."

I was in a dilemma from which there seemed to be no escape. Lady Angela
had seated herself in my easy chair and was keeping her face averted
from me. The Duke stood between us.

"I know very little, sir, except what I overheard," I declared.
"Colonel Ray was, I believe, responsible for Lord Blenavon's abrupt
departure