l of fear.

"You think--that it would be better?"

"I do."

"It would break my father's heart," she murmured, "if ever he could be
brought to believe it."

"The more reason why Lord Blenavon should go," I said. "He is set
between dangerous influences here. Lady Angela, can you tell me where
your brother was last night?"

"How should I?" she answered slowly. "He tells me nothing."

"He was not at home?"

"He dined at home. I think that he went out afterwards."

I nodded.

"And if he returned at all," I said, "I think you will find that it was
after three o'clock."

She came a little nearer to me, although indeed we were in a spot where
there was no danger of being overheard.'

"What do you know about it?"

"Am I not right?" I asked.

"He did not return at all," she answered. "He is not home yet."

I had believed from the first that Blenavon was one of my two
assailants. Now I was sure of it.

"When he does come back," I remarked grimly, "you may find him more or
less damaged."

"Mr. Ducaine," she said, "you must explain yourself."

I saw no reason why I should not do so. I told her the story of my
early morning adventure. She listened with quivering lips.

"You were not hurt, then?" she asked eagerly.

"I was not hurt," I assured her. "I was fortunate."

"Tell me what measures you are taking," she begged.

"What can I do?" I asked. "It was pitch dark, and I could identify no
one. I am writing Colonel Ray. That is all."

"That hateful woman," she murmured. "Mr. Ducaine, I believe that if
Blenavon is really concerned in this, it is entirely through her
influence."

"Very likely," I answered. "I have heard strange things about her. She
is a dangerous woman."

We were both silent for a moment. Then Lady Angela, whose eyes were
fixed seawards, suddenly turned to me.

"Oh," she cried, "I am weary of all these bothers and problems and
anxieties. Let us put them away for one hour of this glorious morning.
Dare you play truant for a little while and walk on the sands?"

"I think so," I answered readily, "if you will wait while I go and put
Grooton in charge."

"I will be scrambling down," she declared. "It is not a difficult
operation."

I joined her a few minutes later, and we set our faces toward the point
of the bay. Over our heads the seagulls were lazily drifting and
wheeling, the quiet sea stole almost noiselessly up the firm yellow
sands. Farther over the marshes the larks were singin