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Motors were not allowed in the park, so Dunn put theirs in the garage of the little hotel, that was already almost full, for visiting day at Wreste Abbey generally drew a goodly number of tourists, while Ella and Allen, in odd companionship, walked up to the Abbey by the famous approach through the chestnut avenue.
It was a little later when Deede Dawson returned to the subject of Wreste Abbey. "Lord Chobham has a very valuable collection of plate and jewellery and so on, hasn't he?" he asked. "Oh, there's plenty of the stuff there," Dunn answered. "Why?"
"Father, I never wrote that letter you say you had. Walter forged it to get you here, where he meant to kill us both. That's why he looked like that, that's why he had his gun." General Dunsmore only stared blankly at him for a moment. "Kill me? Kill you? What for?" he gasped. "So that he might become Lord Chobham of Wreste Abbey instead of Lord Chobham's poor relation," answered Rupert.
You may be, but I don't think it's likely. Get the motor out and go straight to Wreste Abbey. An attempt on uncle's life will be made tonight, if they still carry out their plans, about dinner-time tonight. See that every possible precaution is taken. See to that first. Then send help as soon as you can to Bittermeads, a house on the outskirts of Ramsdon; any one there will tell you where it is."
"See," he said, "I've just brought off a mate. Neat isn't it? Checkmate." She looked up at him, and her eyes were steadier now. "I've only one thing to say to you," she said. "I came here to say it. If anything happens at Wreste Abbey I shall go straight to the police." "Indeed," he said, "indeed." He fingered the chessmen as though all his attention were engaged by them.
But I've been thinking things out, and trying to make them work in together, and I think the first thing to do is for you to drive Allen and Ella over to Wreste Abbey this afternoon, so that they may have a good look around." "Oh, Miss Cayley and Allen," Dunn muttered.
"She might be with you perhaps, but she wouldn't drive. Night driving is always dangerous, I think, don't you?" "There's things more dangerous," Dunn remarked. "Oh, quite true," answered Deede Dawson. "Well, did you enjoy your visit to Wreste Abbey?" "No," answered Dunn roughly. "I didn't see Rupert Dunsmore, and it wouldn't have been any good if I had with all those people about."
"You told me once you knew this part fairly well. Do you know Wreste Abbey?" Dunn gave his questioner a scowling look that seemed full of anger and suspicion. "What about it if I do?" he asked. "I am asking if you do know it," said Deede Dawson. "Yes, I do. Well?" "It belongs to Lord Chobham, doesn't it?" Dunn nodded. "Old man, isn't he?"
A little before three they drove into the village that lay round the park gates of Wreste Abbey.
I never suspected Walter, such an idea never entered my head; but luckily I didn't tell him of my idea of coming to Bittermeads myself to try to find out what was really going on here. He knew nothing of where I was till I told him that day at Wreste Abbey, then of course he came over here at once. I thought it was anxiety for my safety, but I expect really it was to warn his friends.
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