MOSTYN RAY EXPLAINS I walked straight to the House, and locked up my papers in the great safe.

I had hoped to escape without seeing either Ray or Lady Angela, but as I crossed the hall they issued from the billiard-room.

Lady Angela turned towards me eagerly.
"Mr.Ducaine," she exclaimed, "have you seen anything of Lord Blenavon to-day ?" I shook my head.
"I have not seen him for several days, Lady Angela," I answered.
Ray said something to her which I could not hear.

She nodded and left us together.
"It seems," he said, "that this amiable young gentleman is more or less in the clutches of our siren friend at Braster Grange.

I think that you and I had better go and dig him out." "Thank you," I answered, "but I had all I wanted of Braster Grange last night." "Pooh!" he answered lightly, "you are not even scratched.