sition. But I ask you to remember this: the will
of Madame lives even beyond the grave. The spirit which animated her
when alive breathes still in all of us. In London you will wield a great
power. Use it for the common good. And remember this: the Double Four
has never failed, the Double Four can never fail."

"I am glad to hear you are so confident," Peter Ruff said. "Of course,
if I have to take this thing on I shall do my best; but, if I might
venture to allude for a moment to anything so trifling as my own
domestic affairs, I am very anxious to know about my wife."

Sogrange smiled.

"You will find Mrs. Ruff awaiting you in London," he announced. "Your
address is Merton House, Berkeley Square."

"When do I go there?" Peter Ruff asked.

"To-night," was the answer.

"And what do I do when I get there?" he persisted.

"For three days," the Marquis told him, "you will remain indoors and
give audience to whomever may come to you. At the end of that time, you
will understand a little more of our purpose and our objects--perhaps
even of our power."

"I see difficulties," Peter Ruff remarked. "My name, you see, is
uncommon."

Sogrange drew a document from the breast pocket of his coat.

"When you leave this house to-night," he proclaimed, "we bid good-bye
for ever to Mr. Peter Ruff. You will find in this envelope the
title-deeds of a small property which is our gift to you. Henceforth you
will be known by the name and the title of your estates."

"Title!" Peter Ruff gasped.

"You will reappear in London," Sogrange continued, "as the Baron de
Grost."

Peter Ruff shook his head.

"It won't do," he declared. "People will find me out."

"There is nothing to be found out," the Marquis went on, a little
wearily. "Your country life has dulled your wits, Baron. The title and
the name are justly yours--they go with the property. For the rest, the
history of your family, and of your career up to the moment when you
enter Merton House to-night, will be inside this packet. You can peruse
it upon the journey, and remember that we can at all times bring a
hundred witnesses, if necessary, to prove that you are whom you declare
yourself to be. When you get to Charing Cross, do not forget that it
will be the carriage and servants of the Baron de Grost which await
you."

Peter shrugged his shoulders.

"Well," he said thoughtfully, "I suppose I shall get used to it."

"Naturally," Sogrange answered. "For the moment, w