Naturally in his state of panic he believed that the police had actually arrived, and here he had struck down Lord Garvington.  Even though the little man was not dead, Silver knew that the assault would add to his punishment, although he might have concluded that the lesser crime was swallowed up in the greater.  But he was too terrified to think of doing anything save hiding the stunned man, and with a gigantic effort he managed to fling the body behind the sofa.  Then he piled up rugs and cushions between the wall and the back of the sofa until Garvington was quite hidden and ran a considerable risk of being suffocated.  All the time the ominous knocking continued, as though the gallows was being constructed.  At least it seemed so to Silver’s disturbed fancy, and he crept along to the door holding the revolver in an unsteady grip.

“Who—­who—­is—­”

“Let me in; let me in,” said a loud, hard voice.  “I’m Miss Greeby.  I have come to save you.  Let me in.”

Silver had no hesitation in obeying, since she was in as much danger as he was and could not hurt him without hurting herself.  With trembling fingers he unbolted the door and opened it, to find her tall and stately and tremendously impatient on the threshold.  She stepped in and banged the door to without locking it.  Silver’s teeth chattered so much and his limbs trembled so greatly that he could scarcely move or speak.  On seeing this—­for there was a lamp in the passage—­Miss Greeby picked him up in her big arms like a baby and made for the sitting-room.  When, within she pitched Silver on to the sofa behind which Garvington lay senseless, and placing her arms akimbo surveyed him viciously.

“You infernal worm!” said Miss Greeby, grim and savage in her looks, “you have split on me, have you?”

“How—­how—­how do you know?” quavered Silver mechanically, noting that in her long driving coat with a man’s cap she looked more masculine than ever.

“How do I know?  Because Chaldea was hiding under the studio window this afternoon and overheard all that passed between you and Garvington and that meddlesome Lambert.  She knew that I was in danger and came at once to London to tell me since I had given her my address.  I lost no time, but motored down here and dropped her at the camp.  Now I’ve come to get you out of the country.”

“Me out of the country?” stammered the secretary.

“Yes, you cowardly swine, although I’d rather choke the life out of you if it could be done with safety.  You denounced me, you beast.”

“I had to; my own neck was in danger.”

“It’s in danger now.  I’d strangle you for two pins.  But I intend to send you abroad since your evidence is dangerous to me.  If you are out of the way there’s no one else can state that I shot Pine.  Here’s twenty pounds in gold;” she thrust a canvas bag into the man’s shaking hands; “get on your coat and cap and I’ll take you to the nearest seaport wherever that is.  My motor is on the verge of the wood.  You must get on board some ship and sail for the world’s end.  I’ll send you more money when you write.  Come, come,” she stamped, “sharp’s the word.”