and shell-gatherers on shores bathed by the great ocean of
science. But like all natural rulers of men he was quick to seize on any
weakness that suited his own ends; and he said to himself that Faversham
was safe.

"They are valuable?" he asked, as Melrose still sat absorbed.

"They are," was the curt reply.

"I am glad they have fallen into such good hands. They show I think"--the
speaker smiled amicably--"that we have not to do with any mere penniless
adventurer. His friends are probably at this moment extremely anxious
about him. I hope we may soon get some clue to them. Now"--the voice
sharpened to the practical note--"may I appeal to you, Mr. Melrose, to
make arrangements for the nurses as soon as is convenient to you. Their
wants are very simple--two beds--plain food--small amount of
attendance--and some means of communicating without too much delay with
myself, or the chemist. I promise they shall give as little trouble as
possible!"

Melrose rose slowly without replying. He took a bunch of keys from is
pocket, and opened one of the drawers in the Riesener table. As he did
so, the drawer, under a stream of sunset light from the window beyond it,
seemed to give out a many-coloured flash--a rapid Irislike effect, lost
in a moment. The impression made on Undershaw was that the drawer already
contained gems like those in the case--or jewels--or both.

Melrose seemed to have opened the drawer in a fit of abstraction during
which he had forgotten Undershaw's presence. But, if so, the act roused
him, and he looked round half angrily, half furtively at his visitor, as
he hastily relocked the drawer.

Then speaking with renewed arrogance, he said:

"Well, sir, I will see to these things. For to-night, I consent--for
to-night only, mind you--reserving entirely my liberty of action for
to-morrow."

Undershaw nodded, and they left the room together.

Dixon and Mrs. Dixon were both waiting in the passage outside, watching
for Melrose, and hanging on his aspect. To their amazement they were told
that a room was to be got ready for the nurses, a girl was to be fetched
to wait on them from the farm, and food was to be cooked.

The faces of both the old servants showed instant relief. Dixon went
off to the farm, and Mrs. Dixon flew to her kitchen. She was getting
old, and the thought of the extra work to be done oppressed her.
Nevertheless after these years of solitude, passed as it were in a
besieged camp--Threlfall