y to be a nuisance," he observed as he settled himself beside
Barraclough, "but I'm afraid you'll have to tell this joker to turn
back. Golders Green Tube Station will do nicely."

And while Barraclough was leaning forward to comply with the
instructions he very neatly removed a Harrington and Richardson from
his unhappy victim's pocket.

"Just to be on the safe side," he remarked as he transferred it to his
own. "You'll be getting a bit peevish maybe and might lose your sense
of proportion after such a busy day."

"Tell me this," said Barraclough. "How many of you are there in this?"

"My dear chap, I don't know--hundreds I expect."

"Hm!" said Barraclough. "Well, I'm going home to bed."

"Sensible fellow and I'll see you get there safely."

They alighted at Golders Green Station where the driver was equally
amazed by his open cab and the extra passenger.

"No, no, this is on me," said the loafer and handed out a couple of
notes.

In the station he nodded to several men in a friendly fashion and
repeated the performance to some others as they sat side by side in the
tube carriage. He rather flattered himself on the inspiration that
suggested this performance, for, as a fact, everyone of them was a
stranger.

"Thought it safer to come home this way," he said to establish the
point more firmly. "I felt a bit lonely with you in that cab."

They parted at the doors of Crest Chambers, W., where Barraclough had a
flat.

"By the way, any message for Mr. Van Diest?"

"You can tell him to go to the devil," said Anthony Barraclough.

"Right, I will. I say, if you feel a bit neglected during the night
don't worry, there are plenty of us knocking about in the street below
and we shan't desert you."

Barraclough smiled grimly.

"You seem a genial sort of ass," he said. "Care for a drink?"

"No, thanks. I must toddle along and make my report." He hesitated.
"But I would like to know what all this is about."

"So would a good many other people," said Barraclough and pressed the
third floor button of the electric lift.

CHAPTER 3.

WHICH DEVELOPS AN IDEA.

The meeting of the directors had been arranged to take place at Lord
Almont Frayne's house in Park Lane. Nugent Cassis was first to arrive.
It was part of his scheme of life to be five minutes early for
appointments. He nodded to the man-servant, crossed to the fire and
rubbed his thin hands before it.

"I expect his lordship will be do