“The constables who have passed this house since half-past twelve will, if reasonably observant, have noticed the carpet which, upon entering, we laid upon the steps.  A departure of guests, therefore, even at this advanced hour, should arouse no more suspicion than the limousine-landaulette which has now been waiting for some nine minutes.

“The lights in the hall will now be turned on, the front door will be opened wide, and the footman will place the suit-cases in the car, at the open door of which he will stand, while my colleagues and I—­I need hardly say by this time unmasked—­emerge at our leisure, chatting in a most ordinary way.

“I shall be the last to enter the car—­I beg your pardon.  To-night I shall be the last but one”—­for an instant he halted, as if to emphasize the correction—­“and my entry will coincide with what is a favourable opportunity for the footman to assume the cap and overcoat which he must of necessity wear if his closing of the front door and subsequent occupation of the seat by the chauffeur are to excite no remark....  You see, I try to think of everything.”

He paused for a moment, regarding the tips of his fingers, as though they were ungloved.  Then—­

“Your presence here presents no difficulty.  Major and Mrs. Pleydell will stay in this room, silent ... and motionless ... and detaining the dog.  You”—­nonchalantly he pointed an extremely ugly trench-dagger in my direction—­“will vouch with your—­er—­health for their observance of these conditions.  Be good enough to stand up and place your hands behind you.”

With a glance at Berry, I rose.  All things considered, there was nothing else to be done.

The man whom he had addressed as “Blake” picked up Nobby and, crossing the room, laid the terrier in Berry’s arms.  Then he lashed my wrists together with the rapidity of an expert.

“Understand, I take no chances.”  A harsh note had crept into the even tones.  “The slightest indiscretion will cost this gentleman extremely dear.”

I began to hope very much that my brother-in-law would appreciate the advisability of doing as he had been told.

“George, my coat.”  The voice was as suave as ever again.  “Thank you.  Is everything ready?”

Berry stifled a yawn.

“You don’t mean to say,” he exclaimed, “that you’re actually going?  Dear me.  Well, well....  I don’t suppose you’ve a card on you?  No.  Sorry.  I should have liked to remember you in my prayers.  Never mind.  And you don’t happen to know of a good plain cook, do you?  No.  I thought not.  Well, if you should hear of one....”

“Carry on.”

Blake laid a hand on my shoulder and urged me towards the door.  As I was going, I saw the master bow.

“Mrs. Pleydell,” he said, “I have the honour——­Dear me!  There’s that ridiculous word again.  Never mind—­the honour to bid adieu to a most brave lady.”