me
clever woman who was abducting the lad, and by whose plausible tale I
was being led into rendering her assistance. And yet as I stood with my
back to the fire gazing at her as she sat, I recognised a something
about her that told me she was no mere adventuress.

Upon her finger was a magnificent ring--a coronet of fine diamonds that
flashed and sparkled beneath the lamp-light, and when she smiled at me
her face assumed a sweet expression that held me in fascination.

"Cannot you tell me what has occurred?" I asked at last, in a quiet,
earnest voice. "What is the nature of the sensation that is imminent?"

"Ah no!" she answered hoarsely. "You will know soon enough."

"But, mademoiselle, I confess I should like to meet you again in London,
and offer you my services. In half an hour we shall part."

"Yes, we shall part; and if we do not meet again I shall always remember
you as one who performed one of the greatest services a man can perform.
To-night, m'sieur, you have saved my life--and _his_," she added,
pointing to the little lad at her side.

"Saved your lives? How?"

"You will know one day," was her evasive reply.

"And who is he?"

"I regret that I am not permitted to tell you," she answered.

At that instant heavy footsteps sounded in the hall, and gruff voices
exchanged greetings.

"Hark!" she gasped, starting to her feet in alarm. "Is the door locked?"

I sprang to it, and, as the waiting-maid had left it slightly ajar, I
could see the new-comers. I closed it, and slid the bolt into its
socket.

"Who are they?" she inquired.

"Two men in dark overcoats and soft felt hats. They look like
foreigners."

"Ah! I know!" she gasped, terrified, her face blanched in an instant.
"Let us go! They must not see me! You will help me to escape, won't you?
Can I get out without them recognising me?"

Was it possible that she had committed some crime, and they were
detectives? Surely this adventure was a strange and mysterious one.

"Remain here," I exclaimed quickly. "I'll go out and prepare the car.
When all is ready, I will keep watch while you and the boy slip out."

I went forth into the pelting rain, took off the rugs from the seats,
and started the motor. Then returning, and finding no one in the
passage--the two men having evidently passed on into the tap-room--I
beckoned to her, and she and the lad stole softly along and out into the
roadway.

In a moment they were both in the car, and a few se