ouldn't work the clutch. Springfield had to run us over
here to-day. There's barely enough petrol to take us back, either.'

'I have plenty of petrol,' interposed Sir Thomas.

'I could never get that little bassinette of yours to Plymouth
to-night!' broke in Springfield. 'You see, I am still suffering from
my little stunt in France, and I am as weak as a rabbit. Besides,
Buller's machine isn't fit for such a journey.'

'My car is all right,' cried Sir Thomas. 'But I can't drive, and I
haven't a man about the place who can.'

'Do you know the road to Plymouth?' I asked Buller.

'Every inch of it,' he replied.

'Then I'll drive, if you will go with me to show me the way.'

I felt miserable at the idea of leaving Edgecumbe, but there seemed no
other way out of it.

'Surely you will not leave your friend?' interposed Springfield. 'He
may not be as bad as you think, and to-morrow the journey could easily
be managed.'

'It is a matter of life and death,' was my reply. 'Merril says that
unless something is done for him at once there is no hope for him.'

'What does he think is the matter with him?'

I did not reply. Something seemed to seal my lips. I saw
Springfield's features working strangely, while the scar under his
right ear was very strongly in evidence.

'Look here,' he said, as if with sudden decision, 'it's a shame for you
to leave your friend under such circumstances. If Sir Thomas will lend
his car, I will drive to Plymouth. You just write a letter, Luscombe,
giving your doctor friend full particulars, and I'll drag him here by
the hair of the head, if necessary.'

I had not time to reflect on his sudden change of front, and I was
about to close with the offer, but something, I cannot tell what,
stopped me.

'It's awfully good of you,' I said, 'but I think I'll go myself, if
Buller will go with me to show me the way.'

I found Dr. Merril, who had been giving some instructions as to things
he wanted, and I led him aside.

'You will keep near Edgecumbe, won't you?' I said hurriedly. 'Don't
let any one but Sir Thomas and Lady Bolivick enter the room. I have
particular reasons for asking this.'

'What reasons?' And I could see he was surprised.

'I can't tell you, but I don't speak without thought. Perhaps later I
may explain.'

A few minutes later I had started for Plymouth.

CHAPTER XX

A STRANGE NIGHT

'I say, Luscombe, you're a nice fellow to drag one out in the mid