fortunate affair, Mr. Ducaine," he said, looking up at last,
"remains of course between ourselves and Ray--and the woman."

"It is unnecessary for you to ask me that, sir," I answered quietly.
"Colonel Ray will doubtless have some explanation. He is a man of
vigorous temper, and I fancy that Lord Blenavon was not quite himself."

The Duke rose to his feet.

"If you are ready, Angela," he said, "we will not detain Mr. Ducaine
further."

"You will allow me to walk with you to the house, sir," I begged.

He shook his head.

"I am quite recovered, I thank you," he said. "My daughter will give me
her arm."

I let them out myself and held the lamp over my head to light them on
their way. With slow uncertain steps, and leaning heavily upon Lady
Angela's arm, I watched him disappear in the blackness of the
plantation.

CHAPTER XXIX

THE LINK IN THE CHAIN

Practically for three days and three nights the Council sat continually.
There was no pretence now at recreation, no other guests. We worked,
all of us, from the Duke downwards, unflaggingly and with very little
respite. When at last the end came, my padlocked notebook, with its
hundreds of pages of hieroglyphics, held the principal material for
three schemes of coast defence, each one considered separately and
supported by a mass of detail as to transport, commissariat, and many
minor points.

The principal members of the Council departed by special train early on
Monday morning. I myself, a little dizzy and hot-eyed, walked across
the park an hour after dawn, and flung myself upon my bed with a deep
sigh of relief. Before I had closed my eyes, however, Grooton appeared
with apologies for his dishabille.

"I have been up to the house twice, sir," he said, "but they would not
let me see you or even send in a message. I thought it only right to
let you know at once, sir, that the police have been here rummaging
about. They had what they called a search warrant, I believe. I came
up to the house immediately, but I could not induce any of the servants
to bring word in to you. Mr. Jesson, the Duke's own man, told me that
it was as much as his place was worth to allow any one to enter the
library."

"All right, Grooton," I muttered. "Hang the police!"

I believe he said something else, but I never heard it. I was already
fast asleep.

* * * * *

About mid-day I was awakened by the dazzling sunshine which seemed to
fill the r