s into his pocket,
and produced a crumpled cigarette, which he lit from the end of his
companion's.

"Well," he demanded, "what do you want?"

"I have come to the conclusion," Fenn decided, "that it is not in the
interests of our cause that Orden should become associated with it in
any way."

"We've a good deal of power," Bright ruminated, "but it seems to
me you're inclined to stretch it. I gather that the others want him
delivered up. We can't act against them."

"Not if they know," Fenn answered significantly.

Bright came over to the mantelpiece, leaned his elbow upon it, and hung
his extraordinarily unattractive face down towards his companion's.

"Nicholas," he said, "I don't blame you for fencing, but I like plain
words. You've done well out of this new Party. I haven't. You've
no hobby except saving your money. I have. My last two experiments,
notwithstanding the Government allowance, have left me drained. I need
money as you others need bread. I can live without food or drink, but
I can't be without the means to keep my laboratories going. Do you
understand me?"

"I do," Fenn assented, taking up his hat. "Come, I'll drive towards
Bermondsey with you. We'll talk on the way."

CHAPTER XIII

Julian raised himself slightly from his recumbent position at the sound
of the opening of the door. He watched Fenn with dull, incurious eyes as
the latter crossed the uncarpeted floor of the bare wooden shed, threw
off his overcoat, and advanced towards the side of the couch.

"Sit up a little," the newcomer directed.

Julian shook his head.

"No strength," he muttered. "If I had, I should wring your damned neck!"

Fenn looked down at him for a moment in silence.

"You take this thing very hardly, Mr. Orden," he said. "I think that
you had better give up this obstinacy. Your friends are getting anxious
about you. For many reasons it would be better for you to reappear."

"There will be a little anxiety on the part of your friends about you,"
Julian retorted grimly, "if ever I do get out of this accursed place."

"You bear malice, I fear, Mr. Orden."

Julian made no reply. His eyes were fixed upon the door. He turned away
with a shudder. Bright had entered. In his hand he was carrying two
gas masks. He came over to the side of the couch, and, looking down
at Julian, lifted his hand, and felt his pulse. Then, with an abrupt
movement, he handed one of the masks to Fenn.

"Look out for yourself," he