Be good enough to open the door, Nick, and to see that the key is on the outside." Trenchard, who was by way of enjoying himself now, stepped briskly down the hall to do as his friend bade him, with a wary eye on the tything-men.

But never so much as a finger did they dare to lift.

Mr.
Wilding's calm was too deadly; they had seen a man in earnest before this, and they knew his appearance now.

From the doorway Trenchard called Mr.Wilding.
"I must be going, Your Grace," said the latter very courteously, "but I shall not be so wanting in deference to His Majesty's august representatives as to turn my back upon you." Saying which, he walked backwards, holding his pistol level, until he had reached Trenchard and the door.

There he paused and made them a deep bow, his manner the more mocking in that there was no tinge of mockery perceptible.