the latter was pouring out what he called "a nerve settler," prior to
following the Rev. Ambrose's example and going to bed. "Very cunning,
and yet very, very simple, Sir Henry. Bucarelli made a practice, as I
saw this evening, of helping the chosen watcher to make his bed on the
floor in front of the door to the steel room, but during the time he was
removing the blankets from the cupboard his plan was to smear them with
the coriander and sassafras and so arrange the top blanket that when the
watcher lay down the stuff touched his neck or throat and made that the
point of attack for the snake, whose fangs make a small round spot not
bigger than a knitting needle, which is easily passed over by those not
used to looking for such a thing. There was such a spot on Tolliver's
throat; such another at the base of Murple's skull, and there is a third
in poor Logan's left temple. No, thank you--no more to-night, Sir Henry.
Alcohol and I are never more than speaking acquaintances at the best of
times. But if you really wish to do me a kindness--"

"I don't think there is room to doubt that, Mr. Cleek. If I am certain
of anything in this world I am certain of Black Riot's success on
Wednesday; and that success I feel I shall owe to you. Money can't
offset some debts, you know; and if there is anything in the world I can
do, you have only to let me know."

"Thank you," said Cleek. "Then invite me to spend to-morrow here, and
give me the freedom of those superb gardens. My senses are drunk already
with the scent of your hyacinths; and if I might have a day among them,
I should be as near happy as makes no difference."

He had his day--breaking it only to 'phone up to Clarges Street and
quiet any possible fears upon Dollops's part--and if ever man was
satisfied, that man was he.

CHAPTER XV

It was late on the afternoon of the day following when he turned up at
Clarges Street and threw Dollops into a very transport of delight at the
bare sight of him.

"Crumbs, Gov'nor, but I am glad to see you, sir!" said the boy, with a
look of positive adoration. "A fish out o' water ain't a patch to wot
I've felt like--Lord, no! Why, sir, it's the first time you've ever been
away from me since you took me on; and the dreams I've had is enough to
drive a body fair dotty. I've seen parties a-stickin' knives in your
back and puttin' poison in your food and doin' the Lord knows wot not to
you, sir; and every blessed nerve in my body