The clever people of the under-world do nothing by halves nor without careful inquiry beforehand; that is what makes the difference between the common pickpocket and the brilliant swindler." He turned to Ailsa.

"Is that all, Miss Lorne, or am I right in supposing that there is even worse to come ?" "Oh, much worse--much, Mr.Cleek! The knowledge that these would-be murderers, whoever they are, whatever may be their mysterious motive, have grown desperate enough to invade the house itself has driven Lady Chepstow well-nigh frantic.

Of course, orders were immediately given to the servants that no stranger, no matter how well dressed, how well seeming, nor what the plea, was, from that moment, to be allowed past the threshold.

We felt secure in that, knowing that no servant of the household would betray his or her trust, and that all would be on the constant watch for any further attempt.

The unknown enemy must have found out about these precautions, for no stranger came again to the door.