In less time than it takes to record, I had flown to the front-door and put him wise.  Two minutes later we were all in the Rolls, which was scudding at an unlawful speed along the Fallow Hill road.

“There’s nothing much more to tell,” said Adele, as we clamoured for her to proceed.  “I thought Bason would never go, and, when at last he did, the chauffeur took the opportunity of changing the two front tires.

“For over two hours I sat in that car.  At last the man shut the place up and, I suppose, went to his dinner.

“I had meant to borrow the limousine, but he’d taken the key of the switch, so I couldn’t do that.  And I couldn’t get at Nobby, for the stable was locked.  So I just pelted back to Thorn’s cottage, told his wife to tell him my news, picked up the bicycle and came right back.”

For a moment no one said anything.  Then—­

“I shall recommend you,” said Berry, “for the Most Excellent Order of the Beer Engine.  A very coveted distinction.  The membership is limited to seven million.”

“Yes,” said I, “for a most daring reconnaissance behind the enemy’s lines.  You know, this ranks with the penetration of the Kiel Canal.  Seriously, Adele, I’m terribly grateful.”

My lady looked at me with a shy smile.

“What did the gipsy say?” she said.  “After all I’m only obeying orders.  And now——­”

A cry from Jonah interrupted her, and the rest of us started inquiringly as he clapped on the brakes.

As the car came to a standstill—­

“What’s the matter?” I cried.

By way of answer my cousin took off his hat and, producing a silk handkerchief, deliberately wiped his forehead with the utmost care.  Then he replaced his hat and looked up and over his right shoulder....

From the top of a mossy bank by the side of the road Nobby was regarding us wide-eyed.  Apparently he had broken prison and was on his way home.  Time was nothing to him, and the roots of a wayside beech upon an attractive rise cried aloud for inspection.  Besides, there was a serious loss of liberty which had to be made good....

For a moment rescue-party and prize looked one another in the face.  Then the latter hurled himself panting into the road and leapt into the arms which I stretched out of the car.

No prodigal ever received such an ovation.  There was literally a fight for his person.  Jill snatched him from me and pressed his nose to her face; Berry dragged him from her protesting arms and set him upon his knee; Daphne tore him away and hugged him close.  Such of us as were temporarily disseized, stroked and fondled his limbs and cried endearing epithets.  Only our fair American looked on with a wistful smile.

“So, you see,” she said, “he’s done without me, after all.’”

I took hold of her hand.

“My dear,” I said, “your argument would be more forcible if he was wearing a collar.”