"You think me foolish, I know, that I persist," she said, "but I do
beg that you will remember what I say. Do not be alone to-day more
than you can help. Suspect every one who comes near to you. There
may be a trap before your feet at any moment. Be wary always and do
not forget - at five o'clock I expect you."

Laverick smiled as he bowed his adieux.

"It is a promise, Mademoiselle," he assured her.




CHAPTER XXVII

PENETRATING A MYSTERY


About an hour after Mademoiselle Idiale's departure a note marked
"Urgent" was brought in and handed to Laverick. He tore it open.
It was dated from the address of a firm of stockbrokers, with two
of the partners of which he was on friendly terms. It ran thus:

MY DEAR LAVERICK, - I want a chat with you, if you can spare
five minutes at lunch time. Come to Lyons' a little earlier
than usual, if you don't mind, - say at a quarter to one.
J.HENSHAW.


Laverick read the typewritten note carelessly enough at first. He