a mere oversight that we
have hitherto neglected to do so." And in the courtliest manner he
introduced the company by name.

"The devil," said Richard, "I knew who you were all right, but I didn't
imagine you'd tell me. That--that makes a difference." He hesitated,
then sat down abruptly. "Well, come along, gentlemen, what is it you
want me to do?"

Nugent Cassis, as the specialist of detail, briefly outlined their
requirements. He spoke coldly and without emphasis. The programme was
simple. Mr. Tidd would assume the name of Barraclough, he would occupy
these chambers, or wherever else circumstance might happen to take him,
for a period of three weeks. At the end of that time he might reveal
his identity or not as he pleased. It was understood, was it not, that
he would refuse to answer any questions that might be put to him. This
was a point of considerable importance since there was a likelihood
that pressure might be employed to induce him to speak.

"I'm pretty close when I mean to be," said Richard. "But what is the
answer?"

"As to that," Cassis replied, "I must ask you to contain your
curiosity."

"Well, it shouldn't be hard to say I don't know."

Cassis hoped so devoutly.

"To tell the truth," said Mr. Torrington very sweetly, "we don't know
the answer ourselves."

Richard shot a doubtful glance at him, but the seamed old face betrayed
nothing of the purpose it concealed.

"It's all very mysterious," said Richard, "and I'm not sure I like the
look of it."

"If you are nervous----" began Cassis icily.

"Nervous be damned," he retorted. "I'm not easily scared, but I'd like
you to know this. I may have slipped down the ladder a bit, gentlemen,
but I'm not altogether an outsider."

Lord Almont and Mr. Torrington made a duet with "My dear fellar!" and
"We have already realised that, Mr. Tidd."

"So, if there's anything shady in the transaction?"

"Nothing."

Richard fixed on Cranbourne. "Political?"

"No."

"You've stirred my curiosity, gentlemen."

Mr. Torrington leant forward and laid a hand on his arm,

"To this extent we can satisfy it," he said. "We three are engaged
upon an operation of considerable magnitude."

"I guessed that much, sir. When three men like yourselves forgather
one can generally look for balloons in the sky."

"Just so. A gentleman in whom we are interested requires latitude to
conduct certain important activities with freedom from observation. To