won't bring the matter to issue if they find that I've returned; it
would be suicidal. Therefore it is necessary that we steal a march on
'em. I know the inside workings of the scheme. If I can steal back and
keep under cover as an advisory chief, so to speak, we can well afford
to let 'em rush the matter through, for then we can spring the coup and
defeat them for good and all. But, don't you see, old man, unless they
_know_ that I've gone to Vienna they won't undertake the thing. That's
why I'm asking you to go on to Vienna and pose as Roxbury Medcroft
while I steal back to London and set the charge under these demmed
bloodsuckers. Really, you know, it's a terribly serious matter, Brock.
It means fortune and honour to me, as well as millions to the
rate-payers of Greater London. All you've got to do is to register at
the Bristol, get interviewed by the papers, attend one or two sessions
of the convention, which lasts three days, and then go off into the
mountains with the Rodneys,--the society reporters will do the rest."

"With the Rodneys? My dear fellow, suppose that they object to the
substitution! Really, you know, it's not to be thought of."

"Deuce take it, man, the Rodneys are not to know that there has been a
substitution. Perfectly simple, can't you see?"

"I'm damned if I do."

"What a stupid ass you are, Brock! The Rodneys have never laid eyes on
me. They know of me as Edith's husband, that's all. They are to take you
in as Medcroft, of course."

At this point Brock set up an emphatic remonstrance. He began by
laughing his friend to scorn; then, as Medcroft persisted, went so far