out the remaking, with some small success. At least
for the time, the incisions in the blanket and sheets would not be
noticed, and in the morning he would invent some excuse to have them
changed.

The early morning cup of tea, brought at eight by a dainty chambermaid in
cap and starched blue dress, supplied the need quite nicely. He nodded to
her as she left the room, and then, when the door closed, upset the cup
on the coverlet, letting the liquid soak through. Then he got up and
dressed himself with something like a smile upon his lips.

At breakfast, a housemaid waited upon them, and Cleek ate lustily, with
the appetite that is born of good health, and a mind at peace with the
world. Toward the end of the meal, however, Borkins came in. He glanced
casually over the group at the table, let his eyes rest for a moment upon
Cleek, and then--dropped an empty dish he was carrying. As he stooped to
recover it, all chance of seeing how the appearance of the man who had so
nearly met his death last night affected him, was gone. He came up again
still the same, quiet, dignified Borkins of yore. Not a gleam of anything
but the most obsequious interest in the task before him marred the
tranquillity of his features. If the man knew anything, then he was
a fine actor. But--did he? That was the question that interested Cleek
during the remainder of the meal.

After it was over, Mr. Narkom and Sir Nigel went off to the smoking room
for a quiet cigarette before setting to the real business of the day, and
Cleek was left to follow them at his leisure. Borkins was pottering about
the table as the two men left the breakfast room, and Cleek stood in the
doorway.

"Peaceful night, last night, eh, Borkins?" he said with a slight laugh.
"That's the best of this blessed country life of yours. Chap rests so
well. Talk about the simple life--" He broke off and laughed again,
watching Borkins pick up a clean fork and carry it to the plate-basket
upon the sideboard.

The man retained his perfect dignity and ease of manner.

"Quite so, sir. Quite so. I trust you slept well."

"Pretty well--_for a strange bed_," returned Cleek with emphasis, and
turned upon his heel. "If you see my man you might send him along to me.
I want to arrange with him about suits that are coming down from my
tailor's."

"Very good, sir."

Cleek joined the two men with something akin to admiration for the
butler's impassiveness in his heart. If he knew anything