had them watched. Nothing would surprise me less than
to hear she'd given us away."

"That's hardly likely, Cassis, since she believes it is Barraclough
they've got hold of."

"Women are very tricky. I don't trust 'em! Suppose they've made it
uncomfortable for Frencham Altar, what? Well it was only to be
expected."

The callous practicality of tone fired Cranbourne to answer:

"Expected, yes. But one of these days if there's any justice knocking
about this old world of ours we shall have to pay."

"Five thousand was the price," retorted Cassis.

It is probable there might have been a row had not Mr. Torrington
intervened with the suggestion that Frencham Altar's cheque should be
signed while they were waiting. Cassis obstructed the idea. He
thought tomorrow would be quite soon enough. He scouted Mr.
Torrington's statement that on the morrow they would have to see about
Frencham Altar's release. He said that this was a matter dependant on
Barraclough's return.

"Our contract with Altar terminated at eleven tonight," insisted Mr.
Torrington. "Kindly sign this cheque beneath my signature."

And very grumblingly Cassis obliged.

"We have staked a lot of money on this affair," he said.

"Yes, and not a little reputation," replied the old man.

"Don't follow your reasoning."

"I'm getting old, Cassis, reaching the age when the hereafter becomes
the nearafter."

"Then I should retire from business before you waste any more money,"
said Cassis with surprising venom.

But Mr. Torrington did not resent the remark since he knew how nerves
affect certain dispositions.

The arrival of Lord Almont Frayne, resplendent from the Opera, relieved
the situation of tension. It would have taken a very practised eye to
detect anxiety under the mask of bored and elegant indifference he had
assumed. He apologised for being late, but had been button-holed by a
fellow in the foyer who wanted to talk polo. Very disappointing
evening altogether. The prima donna had sung flat and an understudy
was on for Tenor's part. It was only as an after thought he mentioned
the object of their meeting and he touched upon it in the lightest vein.

"Nothing doing?"

"Nothing."

"Ah! well, it's early yet. Hot ain't it? Mind if I get myself a peg?"
He was crossing to the decanter when he stopped, drew an envelope from
his pocket and placed it on the table before Mr. Torrington.

"What do you make of that?" he asked. "Came