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I got frightened when we were nearly caught at Runton, and I did not want it to be found upon me." "To whom?" he cried. "To Sir George Duncombe!" The Vicomte was silent for a moment. "You believe," he asked, "that Sir George Duncombe would guard it carefully?" "I am sure he would," she answered. "Mademoiselle," he said, "this is very important.
"The telegram," Duncombe said slowly, "is in French. He asks me to wire him at once the names of all the guests at Runton Place." Andrew struck the table a mighty blow with his clenched fist. "I knew it!" he cried. "It was her laugh, her voice. Phyllis Poynton is there!" Duncombe looked at his friend incredulously. "My dear Andrew," he said, "be reasonable.
"How the dickens can I? We are all shooting at the Duke's to-morrow, and I believe they're off on Saturday. You're not in earnest by any chance, are you, George?" "Damnably!" he answered. Lord Runton whistled softly. "Fielding doesn't shoot," he remarked, "but they're going with us to Beaumanor. Shall I drop him a hint?
And I went off to Paris, Phyllis, like the veriest Don Quixote, and I came back very sad indeed when I could not find you. Then you came to Runton Place, and the trouble began. I did not care who you were, Phyllis Poynton, Sybil Fielding, or any one else. I let the others dispute. You were yourself, and I love you, dear. Now do you understand why I cannot let you go away like this?"
"That the one is a robber, and the other an adventuress," Duncombe answered. "This much is certainly true. They have both left Runton Place at a moment's notice, and without taking leave of their host and hostess. Remember, I never knew Phyllis Poynton. You did!
"Nevertheless, for my own satisfaction," Lord Runton continued, "I should like the matter inquired into by you, Mr. Spencer." "I am not quite sure whether I am free to help you or not," Spencer said slowly. "May I come and see you to-morrow morning?" "If you prefer it," Lord Runton said doubtfully. "Come as early as possible. Good night, Duncombe!
Lord Runton noted with surprise the signs of growing excitement in his listener. "Go on, Runton. Anything else?" Lord Runton helped himself to a cigarette, and leaned across to light it. "Of course," he continued, "I know that there are a great many people who firmly believe that for commercial reasons Germany would never seek a quarrel with us.
Lord Runton answered, rising to his feet and strolling towards the sideboard. "I told him I would telephone round to the stables when I was ready. I suppose it is rather late, though I sha'n't apologize for keeping you up." "I hope you won't," Duncombe answered. "I have never been more interested in my life for many reasons. Don't bother about your man. Groves will see to him.
He told me afterwards that whenever he was speculating he always coded his messages, and it seemed perfectly reasonable." Spencer nodded. "Just so!" he murmured. "This morning," Lord Runton continued, "Mr. Fielding rather upset our plans. We were all to have spent the day at the Duke's, and dined there. There was a big shoot for the men, as you know. At breakfast-time, however, Mr.
They re-crossed the hall and entered the billiard-room. Lady Runton was playing with the Lord Lieutenant's wife, the Countess of Appleton. The others were all sitting about, either on the lounge or in the winter garden beyond. Miss Fielding was standing on the threshold, and Duncombe advanced eagerly towards her.
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