the
edge of the platform, and don't use taxis."

"And what about a nurse?" demanded John Dene.

"If you observe these points I scarcely think one would be necessary,"
was the quiet rejoinder. "It would also be advisable," continued
Colonel Walton, "for Miss West to be particularly careful about making
chance acquaintances."

Dorothy drew herself up stiffly.

"During the last few days," continued Colonel Walton, "a number of
attempts have been made by women as well as men."

"How did you know?" she cried in surprise.

"We have sources of information," smiled Colonel Walton. "For
instance, the day before yesterday, at lunch, a pleasant-spoken old
lady asked you to go with her to the theatre one Saturday afternoon."

Dorothy gasped.

"You very rightly declined. A few days ago a man ran after you just as
you had left the Tube train at Piccadilly Circus, saying that you had
left your umbrella."

"How funny that you should know!" cried Dorothy. "Such a number of
people have spoken to me lately. First it was men, and now it's always
women."

"Make no acquaintances at all, Miss West," said Colonel Walton.

"I'll remember," she said, nodding her head with decision.

"Well, Mr. Dene, I fear I mustn't take up any more of your time," said
Colonel Walton, rising, with that air of indolence which with him
invariably meant that something important was coming. "If you will not
allow us to be responsible for your own safety, we must at least
provide for that of Government servants."

"What's that?"

"We should not like anything to happen to Miss West."

To Colonel Walton's "Good-day" John Dene made no response, he seemed
unaware that he had left the room.

"Gee!" he muttered at length, then swinging round to Dorothy with a
suddenness that caused her to start, "You had better vamoose," he cried.

"Vam----" she began. "How do I do it?"

"Quit, clear out of here." He sprang from his chair and proceeded to
pace up and down the room.

"Does that mean that I'm discharged?" she enquired, smiling.

"You heard what he said. They're up to their funny work. They missed
us this time and got the rat and guinea-pig. They're always at it. I
don't make a fuss; but I know. There'll be a bomb in my bed one of
these nights. You'd better call a halt right here."

"Shall we get on with the letters, Mr. Dene?" said Dorothy quietly.
"Father was a soldier."

For a moment he looked at her with his keen penetrating eyes