“Suppose there should be a further plot?”

“There can’t be. Knowing that this one is discovered, they will never dare� . And even if they tried again in some other way, I would sooner walk in danger all my life than acknowledge the existence of such creatures. Will you go at once?”

“As you wish;” and I went out.

“Mr. Foster.”

She called me back. Taking my hand with a gesture half-caressing, she raised her face to mine. Our eyes met, and in hers was a gentle, trustful appeal, a pathetic and entrancing wistfulness, which sent a sudden thrill through me. Her clasp of my fingers tightened ever so little.

“I haven’t thanked you in words,”