inger pressed against the electric bell. Power was clutching the
desk for support, and gasping. The sober person in black, with a couple
of footmen behind, were already in the room.... Their master turned to
them.

"There has been an accident here," he groaned, "nothing serious. Take
that gentleman and put him in the car. It's waiting outside for him.
Telephone round for Doctor Renshaw."

For a single moment the major-domo hesitated. The weapon was still
smoking in Philip's hand. Then Power's voice rang out again in furious
command.

"Do as I tell you," he ordered. "If there's one of you here opens his
lips about this, he leaves my service to-morrow. Not a dollar of pension,
mind," he added, his voice shaking a little.

The servant bowed sombrely.

"Your orders shall be obeyed, sir," he promised.

He took up the telephone, and signed to one of the footmen, who helped
Philip to the door. A moment afterwards the latter sank back amongst the
cushions, a little dizzy and breathless, but revived almost instantly by
the cool night air. He gave the chauffeur his address, and the car glided
through the iron gates and down Fifth Avenue.

CHAPTER XI

Philip was awakened the next morning by the insistent ringing of the
telephone at his elbow. He took up the receiver, conscious of a sharp
pain in his left shoulder as he moved.

"Is this Mr. Merton Ware?" a man's smooth voice enquired.

"Yes!"

"I am speaking for Mr. Sylvanus Power. Mr. Sylvanus Power regrets very
much that he is unable to lunch with Mr. Ware as arranged to-day, but he
is compelled to go to Philadelphia on the morning train. He will be glad
to meet Mr. Ware anywhere, a week to-day, and know the result of the
matter which was discussed last night."

"To whom am I speaking?" Philip demanded. "I don't know anything about
lunching with Mr. Power to-day."

"I am Mr. Power's secretary, George Lunt," was the reply. "Mr. Power's
message is very clear. He wishes you to know that he will not be in New
York until a week to-day."

"How is Mr. Power?" Philip enquired.

"He met with a slight accident last night," the voice continued, "and is
obliged to wear his arm in a sling. Except for that he is quite well. He
has already left for Philadelphia by the early train. He was anxious that
you should know this."

"Thank you very much," Philip murmured, a little dazed.

He sprang out of bed, dressed quickly, hurried over his coffee and rolls,
boarded a cross