embark in the matter with great zest, and, I may add, interest."

"Interest?" The nobleman looked at him. "Oh, yes!"

"If I might be so bold, may I ask, does your lordship expect to find
anything that would--ahem!--cast any reflection on the high standing
John Steele is building up for himself in the community, or---"


A shadow seemed to darken the mask-like features of the visitor; his
gaze at once glittering, vaguely questioning, was fastened on the wall;
then slowly, without answering, he got up. "Surmises are not to enter
into this matter," he said shortly. "It is facts, I want--facts!"

"And your lordship shall have them. The case appears simple; not hard to
get at the bottom of!" An odd expression shone from the visitor's eyes.
"Which reminds me he has left town," added Gillett.

"Left town!" Lord Ronsdale wheeled abruptly. "You mean--"

"For a little trip to the continent I should imagine; heard of it
because he got some unimportant court matter put over."

"Gone away!" The nobleman, his back to the other, lifted a hand to his
brow. "When?"

"Last night."

"It was only yesterday morning I was riding with him!"