said something in reply, but his words were carried away on the
storm. However, one of her objects was effected: she knew now exactly
whereabout on the roof he was. So she moved close to the spot before she
spoke again, raising her voice almost to a shout.

"The wicket is shut. Please to open it. I can't get out."

As she spoke, she was quietly fingering a revolver which Adam had given
to her in case of emergency and which now lay in her breast. She felt
that she was caged like a rat in a trap, but did not mean to be taken at
a disadvantage, whatever happened. Caswall also felt trapped, and all
the brute in him rose to the emergency. In a voice which was raucous and
brutal--much like that which is heard when a wife is being beaten by her
husband in a slum--he hissed out, his syllables cutting through the
roaring of the storm:

"You came of your own accord--without permission, or even asking it. Now
you can stay or go as you choose. But you must manage it for yourself;
I'll have nothing to do with it."

Her answer was spoken with dangerous suavity

"I am going. Blame yourself if you do not like the time and manner of
it. I daresay Adam--my husband--will have a word to say to you about
it!"

"Let him say, and be damned to him, and to you too! I'll show you a
light. You shan't be able to say that you could not see what you were
doing."

As he spoke, he was lighting another piece of the magnesium ribbon, which
made a blinding glare in which everything was plainly discernible, down
to the smallest detail. This exactly suited Mimi. She took accurate
note of the wicket and its fastening before the glare had died away. She
took her revolver out and fired into the lock, which was shivered on the
instant, the pieces flying round in all directions, but happily without
causing hurt to anyone. Then she pushed the wicket open and ran down the
narrow stair, and so to the hall door. Opening this also, she ran down
the avenue, never lessening her speed till she stood outside the door of
Lesser Hill. The door was opened at once on her ringing.

"Is Mr. Adam Salton in?" she asked.

"He has just come in, a few minutes ago. He has gone up to the study,"
replied a servant.

She ran upstairs at once and joined him. He seemed relieved when he saw
her, but scrutinised her face keenly. He saw that she had been in some
concern, so led her over to the sofa in the window and sat down beside
her.

"Now, dear, tel