u hear them?"

Lessingham's hand stole suddenly to his pocket. She caught the glitter
of something half withdrawn, and shrank back with a half-stifled moan.

"Not before you, dear," he promised. "Please do not be afraid. If this
is the end, leave me alone with Griffiths. I shall not hurt him. I
shall not forget. And if by any chance," he added, "this is to be our
farewell, Philippa, you will remember that I love you as the flowers of
the world love their sun. Courage!"

The door facing them was opened.

"Captain Griffiths," Mills announced.

Through the open door they caught a vision of two other soldiers and
Inspector Fisher. Griffiths came into the room alone, however, and
waited until the door was closed before he spoke. He carried himself
as awkwardly as ever, but his long, lean face seemed to have taken
to itself a new expression. He had the air of a man indulging in some
strange pleasure.

"Lady Cranston," he said, "I am very sorry to intrude, but my visit here
is official."

"What is it?" she asked hoarsely.

"I have received confirmatory evidence in the matter of which I spoke to
you this afternoon," he went on. "I am sorry to disturb you at such an
hour, but it is my duty to arrest this man on a charge of espionage."

Lessingham to all appearance remained unmoved.

"A most objectionable word," he remarked.

"A most villainous profession," Captain Griffiths retorted. "Thank
heaven that in this country we are learning the art of dealing with its
disciples."

"This is all a hideous mistake," Philippa declared feverishly. "I assure
you that Mr. Lessingham has visited my father's house, that he was
well-known to me years ago."

"As the Baron Maderstrom! What arguments he has used, Lady Cranston, to
induce you to accept him here under his new identity, I do not know, but
the facts are very clear."

"He seems quite convinced, doesn't he?" Lessingham remarked, turning to
Philippa. "And as I gather that a portion of the British Army, assisted
by the local constabulary, is waiting for me outside, perhaps I had
better humour him."

"It would be as well, sir," Captain Griffiths assented grimly. "I am
glad to find you in the humour for jesting."

Lessingham turned once more to Philippa. This time his tone was more
serious.

"Lady Cranston," he begged, "won't you please leave us?"

"No!" she answered hysterically. "I know why you want me to, and I won't
go! You have done no harm, and nothing shall hap