mpose yourself, and wait till morning. It will be more dignified. For
the third time, good-bye.'

And with that Rocco, without hastening, walked down the corridor and so
out of sight.

Racksole said never a word. He was too disgusted with himself to speak.
He clenched his fists, and put his teeth together, and held his breath.
In the silence he could hear the dwindling sound of Rocco's footsteps on
the thick carpet.

It was the greatest blow of Racksole's life.

The next morning the high-born guests of the Grand Babylon were aroused
by a rumour that by some accident the millionaire proprietor of the
hotel had remained all night locked up m the lift. It was also stated
that Rocco had quarrelled with his new master and incontinently left the
place. A duchess said that Rocco's departure would mean the ruin of the
hotel, whereupon her husband advised her not to talk nonsense.

As for Racksole, he sent a message for the detective in charge of the
Dimmock affair, and bravely told him the happenings of the previous
night.

The narration was a decided ordeal to a man of Racksole's temperament.

'A strange story!' commented Detective Marshall, and he could not avoid
a smile. 'The climax was unfortunate, but you have certainly got some
valuable facts.'

Racksole said nothing.

'I myself have a clue,' added the detective. When your message arrived
I was just coming up to see you. I want you to accompany me to a certain
spot not far from here. Will you come, now, at once?'

'With pleasure,' said Racksole.

At that moment a page entered with a telegram. Racksole opened it read:

'Please come instantly. Nella. Hotel Wellington, Ostend.'

He looked at his watch.

'I can't come,' he said to the detective. I'm going to Ostend.'

'To Ostend?'

'Yes, now.'

'But really, Mr Racksole,' protested the detective. 'My business is
urgent.'

'So's mine,' said Racksole.

In ten minutes he was on his way to Victoria Station.

Chapter Fifteen END OF THE YACHT ADVENTURE

WE must now return to Nella Racksole and Prince Aribert of Posen on
board the yacht without a name. The Prince's first business was to make
Jules, otherwise Mr Tom Jackson, perfectly secure by means of several
pieces of rope. Although Mr Jackson had been stunned into a complete
unconsciousness, and there was a contused wound under his ear, no one
could say how soon he might not come to himself and get very violent. So
the Prince, having tied his arms