Page 129 (1/1)

"Then I take it, sir, that you trust me, and that my case is one of extreme necessity?"

"It is," was The Sparrow's reply "At present I can see no solution of the problem It will be best, perhaps, for you to remain where you are for the present," he added He did not tell the young e of Benton and his hostess

"But I ah said "Is there any way possible by which I can reat a risk?"

The Sparrow reflected in silence for some moments

"To-day is Wednesday," he remarked slowly at last "Miss Ranscoo to the Bush Hotel, in Farnham, on Friday afternoon and have tea She will probably h eagerly "Will you arrange it? You are, indeed, a good Samaritan!"

The little oldunder such circumstances is most unfortunate for you both," he said "But I have done, and will continue to do, all I can in your interest"

"I can't quiteman "Why should you evince such a paternal interest in e expression played about his lips

"Have I not already answered that question twice?" he asked "Rest assured, Mr Henfrey, that I have your interests very much at heart"

"You have some reason for that, I'm sure"

"Well--yes, I have a reason--a reason which is ht"

"I'll not forget to let Miss Ranscoe to get her ht!" and with his gloved fingers he took the young man's outstretched hand

The instant he heard the front door close he crossed to the telephone, and asking for a number, told the person who answered it to come round and see hih Henfrey was seated beside Mead as Mrs Bond's car went swiftly towards Kensington, a thin, rather wiry-looking e entered The Sparrow's rooht of his visitor

"Ah! Howell! I' us They hast

"Mischief?" he echoed "In ay?"

"I've not yet arrived at a full conclusion But we must be on the alert and ready to act whenever the time is ripe You knohat they did over that little affair in Marseilles not so very long ago? They'll repeat, if we're not very careful That girl of Benton's they are using as a decoy--and she's a dangerous one"