drove away in different directions, and I went off to make my own

arrangements.”


“Which are?”


“Some cold beef and a glass of beer,” he answered, ringing the

bell. “I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to be

busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want your

co-operation.”


“I shall be delighted.”


“You don’t mind breaking the law?”


“Not in the least.”


“Nor running a chance of arrest?”


“Not in a good cause.”


“Oh, the cause is excellent!”


“Then I am your man.”


“I was sure that I might rely on you.”


“But what is it you wish?”


“When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to you.

Now,” he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that our landlady

had provided, “I must discuss it while I eat, for I have not much time.

It is nearly five now. In two hours we must be on the scene of action. Miss

Irene, or Madame, rather, returns from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony

Lodge to meet her.”


“And what then?”


“You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to occur.

There is only one point on which I must insist. You must not interfere, come

what may. You understand?”


“I am to be neutral?”


“To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small

unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being conveyed into the

house. Four or five minutes afterwards the sitting-room window will open. You

are to station yourself close to that open window.”


“Yes.”


“You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you.”


“Yes.”


“And when I raise my hand—so—you will throw into the room

what I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of fire.

You quite follow me?”


“Entirely.”


“It is nothing very formidable,” he said, taking a long

cigar-shaped roll from his pocket. “It is an ordinary plumber’s

smoke-rocket, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Your