d me. But I saw that it was futile to kick against the
pricks. I had only to wait and to watch.

For a whole week things proceeded in good, well-ordered regularity.
Mr. Lloyd was our guest and everyone made themselves pleasant towards
him. Lola, with whom I had frequent chats in secret, had somehow
become disarmed. She no longer suspected her father of any sinister
intent, the reason being that he had taken the old man as his dearest
and most intimate confidant.

One night after I had beaten old Mr. Lloyd at billiards and he had
gone to bed, I passed by the door of the library and saw a streak of
light beneath the door.

Therefore, believing that the electric light had been inadvertently
left on, I opened the door, when I had a great surprise.

Rayne was seated in an arm-chair chatting with Madame Martoz, while on
a settee near the window sat Madame Duperre.

All three started up as I entered, but a word of apology instantly
rose to my lips, and Rayne said: "That's all right, Hargreave. Indeed,
I wanted to talk to you. Look here," he went on, "I want you to go to
Madrid after old Mr. Lloyd goes there, as no doubt he will. You'll
stay at the Ritz in the Plaza de Canovas, and ask no questions. I'll
send you instructions--or perhaps Duperre may be with you."

"When?" I asked in surprise, as it appeared that the rich old
gentleman had, after all, arranged to go to Spain.

"In ten days or so. When I tell you. Till then, don't worry, my dear
boy. When I make plans you know that you have only to act."

"To the detriment of our unsuspecting guest, eh?" I remarked in a low
bitter voice.

"That is not polite, George," he said sharply. "You are our paid
servant, and such a remark does not befit you."

"Whether it does or not, Mr. Rayne, I repeat it," I said defiantly. "I
am not blind to your subtle machinations by which I have become your
accomplice."

He laughed triumphantly in my face.

"You are paid--and well paid for it all. Why should you resent? Are
you an idiot?"

"I certainly refuse to be your tool!" I cried furiously.

"You have thrown in your lot with me as one who ventures constantly in
big things just as any man who operates on the Stock Exchange. It is
good sport. You, George, are a sportsman, as I am. And from one sport
we both derive a good deal of fun."

"And the victim of our fun, as you term it, is to be old Mr. Lloyd!" I
remarked, looking him straight in his face.

But he only laughed, and s