Adam said nothing, but silently held out his hand, which his companion shook:  no words were necessary.

When it was getting near tea-time, Mimi asked Sir Nathaniel how they were going.

“We must make a point of going in state.  We want all possible publicity.”  Mimi looked at him inquiringly.  “Certainly, my dear, in the present circumstances publicity is a part of safety.  Do not be surprised if, whilst we are at Diana’s Grove, occasional messages come for you—­for all or any of us.”

“I see!” said Mrs. Salton.  “You are taking no chances.”

“None, my dear.  All I have learned at foreign courts, and amongst civilised and uncivilised people, is going to be utilised within the next couple of hours.”

Sir Nathaniel’s voice was full of seriousness, and it brought to Mimi in a convincing way the awful gravity of the occasion.

In due course, they set out in a carriage drawn by a fine pair of horses, who soon devoured the few miles of their journey.  Before they came to the gate, Sir Nathaniel turned to Mimi.

“I have arranged with Adam certain signals which may be necessary if certain eventualities occur.  These need be nothing to do with you directly.  But bear in mind that if I ask you or Adam to do anything, do not lose a second in the doing of it.  We must try to pass off such moments with an appearance of unconcern.  In all probability, nothing requiring such care will occur.  The White Worm will not try force, though she has so much of it to spare.  Whatever she may attempt to-day, of harm to any of us, will be in the way of secret plot.  Some other time she may try force, but—­if I am able to judge such a thing—­not to-day.  The messengers who may ask for any of us will not be witnesses only, they may help to stave off danger.”  Seeing query in her face, he went on:  “Of what kind the danger may be, I know not, and cannot guess.  It will doubtless be some ordinary circumstance; but none the less dangerous on that account.  Here we are at the gate.  Now, be careful in all matters, however small.  To keep your head is half the battle.”

There were a number of men in livery in the hall when they arrived.  The doors of the drawing-room were thrown open, and Lady Arabella came forth and offered them cordial welcome.  This having been got over, Lady Arabella led them into another room where tea was served.

Adam was acutely watchful and suspicious of everything, and saw on the far side of this room a panelled iron door of the same colour and configuration as the outer door of the room where was the well-hole wherein Oolanga had disappeared.  Something in the sight alarmed him, and he quietly stood near the door.  He made no movement, even of his eyes, but he could see that Sir Nathaniel was watching him intently, and, he fancied, with approval.

They all sat near the table spread for tea, Adam still near the door.  Lady Arabella fanned herself, complaining of heat, and told one of the footmen to throw all the outer doors open.