Laura studied her companion, for a moment, curiously.

“Taking some interest in Mr. Quest, kid, ain’t you?”

Lenora looked up.  Then her head suddenly sank into her hands.  She knew quite well that her secret had escaped her.  Laura patted her shoulder.

“That’s all right, child,” she said soothingly.  “We’ll see him through this, somehow or other.”

“You don’t mind?” Lenora faltered, without raising her eyes.

“Not I,” she replied promptly.  “I’m not looking for trouble of that sort.”

Lenora raised her head.  There was an immense relief in her face.

“I am so glad,” she said.  “I was afraid sometimes—­living here with him, you know—­”

Laura interrupted her with an easy laugh.

“You don’t need to worry,” she assured her.

Lenora rose to her feet.  She was quite herself again.  There was a new look of determination in her face.

“Laura,” she exclaimed, “we will save Mr. Quest and we will get hold of Craig!  I have a plan.  Listen.”

2.

Craig’s surprise was real enough as he opened the back door of the Professor’s house on the following morning and found Lenora standing on the threshold.

“I am very sorry, Miss Lenora,” he apologised.  “The front door bell must be out of order.  I certainly didn’t hear it ring.  Mr. Ashleigh is in his study, if you wish to see him.”

Lenora smiled pleasantly.

“To tell you the truth,” she said, “I really do not want to see him,—­at least, not just yet.  I came to this door because I wanted a little talk with you.”

Craig’s attitude was perfect.  He was mystified, but he remained respectful.

“Will you come inside?” he invited.

She shook her head.

“I am afraid,” she confided, “of what I am going to say being overheard.  Come with me down to the garage for a moment.”

She pointed to the wooden building which stood about fifty yards away from the house.  Craig hesitated.

“If you wish it, miss,” he assented doubtfully.  “I will get the keys.”

He disappeared for a moment and came out again almost immediately afterwards with a bunch of keys in his hand.  He seemed a little disturbed.

“I am doing as you wish, Miss Lenora,” he said, “but there is nobody about here likely to overhear, and I have no secrets from my master.”

“Perhaps not,” Lenora replied, “but I have.  The Professor is a dear,” she added hastily, “but he is too wrapped up in his scientific work to be able to see things like men of ordinary common-sense.”

“That is quite true,” Craig admitted.  “Mr. Ashleigh has only one idea in his life....  This way, then, if you please, miss.”

He opened the door of the garage, leaving the keys in the lock, and they both passed inside.  The place was gloomy and lit only by a single narrow window near the roof.  The only vehicle it contained was the Professor’s little car.