"I received a note this morning from a great personage in this country to whom I am under more obligation than any other breathing man, requesting me to refrain from making any further inquiries or assisting any one else to make them in this matter.

I can assure you that I was thunderstruck, but the note is in my pocket at the present moment." "Does it mention them by name ?" "The exact words are," Spencer answered, "'respecting the reported disappearance of the young Englishman, Mr.Guy Poynton, and his sister.' This will just show you how much you have to hope for from the police, for the person whose signature is at the foot of that note could command the implicit obedience of the whole system." Duncombe's cheeks were a little flushed.

He was British to the backbone, and his obstinacy was being stirred.
"The more reason," he said quietly, "so far as I can see, that I should continue my independent efforts with such help as I can secure.

This girl and boy are fellow country-people, and I haven't any intention of leaving them in the clutches of any brutal gang of Frenchmen into whose hands they may have got.

I shall go on doing what I can, Spencer." The journalist shrugged his shoulders.
"I can't help sympathizing with you, Duncombe," he said, "but keep reasonable.