horses,
who soon devoured the few miles of their journey. Before they came to
the gate, Sir Nathaniel turned to Mimi.

"I have arranged with Adam certain signals which may be necessary if
certain eventualities occur. These need be nothing to do with you
directly. But bear in mind that if I ask you or Adam to do anything, do
not lose a second in the doing of it. We must try to pass off such
moments with an appearance of unconcern. In all probability, nothing
requiring such care will occur. The White Worm will not try force,
though she has so much of it to spare. Whatever she may attempt to-day,
of harm to any of us, will be in the way of secret plot. Some other time
she may try force, but--if I am able to judge such a thing--not to-day.
The messengers who may ask for any of us will not be witnesses only, they
may help to stave off danger." Seeing query in her face, he went on: "Of
what kind the danger may be, I know not, and cannot guess. It will
doubtless be some ordinary circumstance; but none the less dangerous on
that account. Here we are at the gate. Now, be careful in all matters,
however small. To keep your head is half the battle."

There were a number of men in livery in the hall when they arrived. The
doors of the drawing-room were thrown open, and Lady Arabella came forth
and offered them cordial welcome. This having been got over, Lady
Arabella led them into another room where tea was served.

Adam was acutely watchful and suspicious of everything, and saw on the
far side of this room a panelled iron door of the same colour and
configuration as the outer door of the room where was the well-hole
wherein Oolanga had disappeared. Something in the sight alarmed him, and
he quietly stood near the door. He made no movement, even of his eyes,
but he could see that Sir Nathaniel was watching him intently, and, he
fancied, with approval.

They all sat near the table spread for tea, Adam still near the door.
Lady Arabella fanned herself, complaining of heat, and told one of the
footmen to throw all the outer doors open.

Tea was in progress when Mimi suddenly started up with a look of fright
on her face; at the same moment, the men became cognisant of a thick
smoke which began to spread through the room--a smoke which made those
who experienced it gasp and choke. The footmen began to edge uneasily
towards the inner door. Denser and denser grew the smoke, and more acrid
its smell. Mimi, towards