ops
swaying in the wind over eternity and their roots stuck fast in a
gigantic wall--that's the earth ... on her side ... They're sticking
straight out like pegs. And sometimes I hear a roar coming, and the
trees are bent like reeds, and the wind screams to glory, and the whole
world turns turtle--swings right over and round. Think of it, man.
Twelve thousand miles in a second of time. And there are the stars on
my right, and I'm climbing the wrong way up.... But Gramarye holds me
fast. As long as I'm in the woods---- But the roads are the devil.
They make such a gap. You have to climb them to get to the other side.
The trees are child's play--they help you. But the roads ... I shall
meet it on one of those roads ... one day ... one day...."

The deep sonorous voice faded, and with a whimper Mr. Plowman slid on
to the floor.

It was Anthony who picked him up and carried the unconscious lawyer
into the open air. As he was helping him to his feet, Winchester
appeared with brandy.

"I was so engrossed," he said quietly, "that I never saw you go down.
Was the room too hot?"

Mr. Plowman gulped down some spirit before replying. Then--

"Yes," he said jerkily. "I--I think perhaps it was. I must apologize,
sir."

Winchester inclined his head.

"You have your instructions," he said. "And you have seen Major
Lyveden, and heard him consent to act. Prepare the necessary papers
immediately and send them to me for signature. If any question arises,
lay it before me by letter. If you must see me"--the unfortunate
attorney blenched--"write and say so. I need hardly add that, with
regard to what has passed between us, I expect your observation of the
strictest confidence."

"M-most certainly, sir."

"One thing more." An envelope passed. "There is a cheque on account.
If on reflection you wish to take counsel's opinion, and that is not
enough, write and say so." He put out his hand. "Good-bye. I'm much
obliged to you for coming. I hope you'll be none the worse."

With starting eyes Mr. Plowman touched the great palm. Then his client
turned, and, clapping a hat on his head, strode off into the wilderness.

As the sound of his footsteps died--

"There's a paper--in there--on the table," said Mr. Plowman. "And my
hat and coat--and bag..."

"I'll get them," said Anthony.

"It's--it's very good of you."

When he returned, the lawyer had fastened his collar and was nervously
bullying his tie int