provide latitude it is necessary we should persuade our opponents that
the gentleman is peaceably residing at his own home."

"Half a minute. You want to get Barraclough out of the country or
somewhere and I'm to fill his place."

Mr. Torrington nodded. "Am I like Barraclough?"

"Remarkably so."

Suddenly Richard sprang to his feet and brought his hands together.
"Tell me," he cried. "These opponents--have they made a blockade--to
prevent him getting away."

"A most effectual blockade."

Richard threw up his head and laughed.

"Lord, so that was it. They tried to stop me at Earl's Court Station
day before yesterday. Oh, this is great, gentlemen. Come on, I'm your
man."

"You consent?"

"I consent all right."

The three men exchanged glances of satisfaction.

"Then if you will kindly ring the bell," said Cassis, "your servant,
Doran, will correct the details of your wardrobe."

"So I have a servant."

"You have everything this flat contains and five thousand pounds at the
end of three weeks."

"Oh, what a lark," said Richard gaily.

"I only hope it will prove so," said Mr. Torrington.

"Was wondering where I'd sleep tonight."

"I wonder where you will."

"All right, gentlemen, you can leave it to me. I shan't let you down.
If you'll excuse me I'm going to have a bath. In the event of our not
meeting again you might post that cheque to care of Porters,
Confectioners, 106b, Earl's Court Road--my town address." He stopped
at the room door and grinned. "Please help yourselves to a drink or
anything you fancy. My entire resources are at your disposal.
Goodnight."

The door closed and a moment later came the sound of water splashing
into the bath.

"Well, what do you think?" Cranbourne demanded enthusiastically.

"A nice boy," Mr. Torrington returned. "Straight. I'm wondering how
much he will have to go through in the next three weeks."

"Yes, but from our point of view?"

"Ah, from our point of view I think we might declare a dividend. If
you would lend me an arm, Lord Almont, we will speak a word of farewell
to Barraclough through the wine cellar door."

CHAPTER 8.

INTRODUCING A LADY.

It was Cranbourne, who at the door of the flat thought of a final
precaution, excused himself to his companions and asked leave to enter
the bathroom. Richard was standing on a cork mat, rubbing himself with
a Turkish towel and, after the fashion of all good men, singing lustily
in t