wered Adrien with a sigh. "I gave my word to keep secret
certain events that happened on that day. They took place far away from
the City, but I cannot reveal where. Those who say they saw me in London
are lying, and I could easily disprove their statements; but you would
not have me break my word?"

There was an awful silence, as he finished speaking. Not one present but
realised the gravity of the situation, and the futility of putting
further questions.

At this point the inspector turned to Lord Barminster.

"My lord," he said almost gently, "I'm afraid I must ask Mr. Leroy to
come back with me--and at once; but for the sake of all here, it can be
arranged so that your guests shall remain ignorant. There are not many
hours before the morning now."

This was indeed true, for time waits for no man, be it spent in pleasure
or in crime. "I would suggest that Mr. Leroy and myself return to
London; and if he will give me his word of honour not to attempt any
escape, I will dismiss my men, who were sent down with me altogether
against my will."

"Certainly, you may rely on my not offering any resistance," was Leroy's
reply, with a faint smile at the idea called up by the inspector's
words. "I should like to change my things to something more suitable."
He glanced down at the velvet and lace of his King Charles costume; all
this seemed like a dream from which he must awake to find himself back
in the ball-room.

"Certainly, sir," agreed the inspector, who seemed honestly reluctant to
make the business any more unpleasant than necessary.

"I will come with you," put in Lord Barminster suddenly.

"I also," said Mortimer Shelton. "I will come up with you, and change
into something more fitted for the journey."

Turning to Lady Constance, her uncle besought her to return to the
ball-room, and thus prevent any remarks being made as to the absence of
himself and Adrien. Bravely, as was to be expected of her, she turned
obediently; and with a few whispered, loving words to Adrien, left the
room, followed, almost unnoticed, by Jasper Vermont. He was quite
satisfied with the success of his plot, but had no desire to come into
contact with Lord Barminster, if he could avoid it.

Meanwhile, having ordered refreshments for the inspector, Lord
Barminster prepared to accompany his son to London. The arrangements
took but a short time; and when the three men, accompanied by the
inspector, silently entered the car which had bee