was no sign of Raffles or his cab. We were bidden at a quarter to
eight for eight o'clock, so after all. I had to hurry off alone.

Fortunately, Thornaby House is almost at the end of my street that
was; and it seemed to me another fortunate circumstance that the
house stood back, as it did and does, in its own August courtyard;
for, as I was about to knock, a hansom came twinkling in behind me,
and I drew back, hoping it was Raffles at the last moment. It was
not, and I knew it in time to melt from the porch, and wait yet
another minute in the shadows, since others were as late as I. And
out jumped these others, chattering in stage whispers as they paid
their cab.

"Thornaby has a bet about it with Freddy Vereker, who can't come,
I hear. Of course, it won t be lost or won to-night. But the dear
man thinks he's been invited as a cricketer!"

"I don't believe he's the other thing," said a voice as brusque as
the first was bland. "I believe it's all. bunkum. I wish I didn't,
but I do!"

"I think you'll find it's more than that," rejoined the other, as
the doors opened and swallowed the pair.

I flung out limp hands and smote the air. Raffles bidden to what
he had well called this "gruesome board," not as a cricketer but,
clearly, as a suspected criminal! Raffles wrong all. the time, and
I right for once in my original apprehension! And still no Raffles
in sight - no Raffles to warn - no Raffles, and the clocks striking
eight!