real shape at close quarters? I am willing to run the risk--for I take
it there would be no slight risk in the doing. I don't suppose anyone of
our time has seen her close and lived to tell the tale."

Sir Nathaniel held up an expostulatory hand.

"Good God, lad, what are you suggesting? Think of your wife, and all
that is at stake."

"It is of Mimi that I think--for her sake that I am willing to risk
whatever is to be risked."

Adam's young bride was proud of her man, but she blanched at the thought
of the ghastly White Worm. Adam saw this and at once reassured her.

"So long as her ladyship does not know whereabout I am, I shall have as
much safety as remains to us; bear in mind, my darling, that we cannot be
too careful."

Sir Nathaniel realised that Adam was right; the White Worm had no
supernatural powers and could not harm them until she discovered their
hiding place. It was agreed, therefore, that the two men should go
together.

When the two men slipped out by the back door of the house, they walked
cautiously along the avenue which trended towards the west. Everything
was pitch dark--so dark that at times they had to feel their way by the
palings and tree-trunks. They could still see, seemingly far in front of
them and high up, the baleful light which at the height and distance
seemed like a faint line. As they were now on the level of the ground,