lowered the point of his pistol slowly.

"And you've never heard of Van Diest?"

"Never! Van Biene I know and Van Hoven, but----"

"Then it looks to me," said Barraclough regretfully. "It looks to me
as if I've made a pretty substantial fool of myself. If you're big
enough to accept an apology, Mr. Madrooba, I'd be glad to come off this
perch and offer it."

"I reckon if I can stand eight men on my chest," came the reply, "I
don't need to take a lot of notice of this little misunderstanding.
Let yourself drop and I'll catch you."

And from sheer relief Barraclough began to laugh--and laughed solidly
for ten miles of the journey.

CHAPTER 11.

OUTLINING A PROGRAMME.

Richard Frencham Altar was exceedingly affable in the car. It was a
big, comfortable, Rolls saloon, and he sat between Van Diest and the
American. Laurence occupied the seat next to the driver.

He had tried to say a few words to Auriole before taking his place in
the car but she had merely shrugged her shoulders and entered a waiting
taxi. The two vehicles drove in opposite directions, from which it
would appear that her task in the affair was accomplished.

"I hope I shall see some more of that young lady," he remarked. Van
Diest nodded gloomily and Hipps jerked out:

"Probably will."

After that they drove in silence.

"Forgive me for criticising your methods," said Richard at last, "but
shouldn't I be blindfolded or something? I'm familiar with all these
roads and could walk back without even asking the way."

"There might be difficulties."

"Oh, quite. It was only a suggestion. I want to keep up the spirit of
the thing. If I have to be Shanghaied I'd like it to be done properly."

"You wass very high spirited, Mr. Barraclough."

"Why not? Comfortable car--pleasant company."

"Yees. With us this was a very serious business."

"That's all to the good, but let's keep in humour. By the way, since
everything's open and above board, where are you taking me?"

"Laurence's house."

"Wanted to know 'cos of getting my letters forwarded."

"There won't be a whole lot of communication with the outer world,"
said Hipps.

"I see. And how long are you proposing to keep me there?"

"My dear old fellow," Laurence spoke over his shoulder, "that depends
entirely on yourself."

There was deeper significance in the tone than in the words.

"That's cordial," said Richard, "downright hostly."

"But paste this in your ha