"Her ladyship doesn't lose any time. She has begun work already!"

Sir Nathaniel, who was writing at a table near the window, looked up.

"What is it?" said he.

Adam held out the letter he was carrying. It was in a blazoned envelope.

"Ha!" said Sir Nathaniel, "from the White Worm! I expected something of
the kind."

"But," said Adam, "how could she have known we were here? She didn't
know last night."

"I don't think we need trouble about that, Adam. There is so much we do
not understand. This is only another mystery. Suffice it that she does
know--perhaps it is all the better and safer for us."

"How is that?" asked Adam with a puzzled look.

"General process of reasoning, my boy; and the experience of some years
in the diplomatic world. This creature is a monster without heart or
consideration for anything or anyone. She is not nearly so dangerous in
the open as when she has the dark to protect her. Besides, we know, by
our own experience of her movements, that for some reason she shuns
publicity. In spite of her vast bulk and abnormal strength, she is
afraid to attack openly. After all, she is only a snake and with a
snake's nature, which is to keep low and squirm, and proceed by stealth
and cunning. She will never attack when she can run away, although she