ous dealings with Deede
Dawson, and knew enough about him to be able to force himself into
Bittermeads.

Of the actual plot in operation there he most likely knew little or
nothing, but probably Deede Dawson thought he might be useful, and
the store of silver found in the attic that Ella had been employed in
packing ready for removal was identified as part of the plunder from a
recent burglary in a northern town.

It was thought, therefore, that both Allen and Deede Dawson might have
been concerned in that affair, that Deede Dawson had managed to secure
the greater share of the booty, and that Allen, on the night when Rupert
found him breaking into Bittermeads, was endeavouring to get hold of the
silver for himself.

But the actual facts are not likely now ever to be known, for from that
day to this nothing has been heard of Allen. His old haunts know him
no more, and to his record, carefully preserved at Scotland Yard, there
have been no recent additions.

One theory is that Deede Dawson, finding him troublesome, took effectual
steps to dispose of him. Another is that Deede Dawson got him away by
either bribes or threats, and that, not knowing of Deede Dawson's death,
he does not venture to return.

In any case, he was a commonplace criminal, and his fate is of little
interest to any one but himself.

It was Walter for whom the police hunted with diligence and effort, but
with a total lack of success, so that they began to think at the end of
three months that he must somehow have succeeded in making his way out
of the country.

During the first portion of this time Rupert had been very busy with a
great many things that needed his attention. And then Lord Chobham, his
health affected by the crimes and treachery of a kinsman whom he had
known and trusted as he had known and trusted Walter, was attacked by
acute bronchitis which affected his heart and carried him off within the
week. The title and estates passed, therefore, to General Dunsmore, and
Rupert became the Honourable Rupert Dunsmore and the direct heir. All
this meant for him a great deal more to see to and arrange, for the
health of the new Lord Chobham had also been affected and he left
practically everything in his son's hands, so that, except for the
letters which came regularly but had been often written in great haste,
Ella knew and heard little of Rupert.

But today he was to come, for everything was finally in order, and,
though this she did