"It would to this extent, that it would put them in possession of a
cherished secret, which--But why talk of these things? What is done
cannot be undone. I can only prepare myself for the worst."

"One moment," said Ducie. "I think that after the thorough search made
by me the chances are twenty to one against the MS. ever being found.
But granting that it does turn up, the finder of it will probably be
some ignorant navvie or incurious official, without either inclination
or ability to master the secret of the cipher."

* * * * *

Ten days later M. Platzoff was sufficiently recovered to set out for Bon
Repos. At his earnest request Ducie had put off his own journey to stay
with him. At another time the ex-Captain might not have cared to spend
ten days at a forlorn country tavern, even with a rich Russian; but as
he often told himself he had "his book to make," and he probably looked
upon this as a necessary part of the process. Before they parted, it was
arranged that as soon as Ducie should return from Scotland he should go
and spend a month at Bon Repos. Then the two shook hands, and each went
his own way. As one day passed after another without bringing any
tidings of the lost MS., Platzoff's anxiety respecting it seemed to
lessen, and by the time he left "The Golden Griffin" he had apparently
ceased to trouble his mind any further in the matter.




CHAPTER X.