wish to speak to you. I am ill. You had better go and persuade
Mademoiselle to return. She is at Dover, waiting."

"You are a liar!" Bellamy answered. "She is in her room now,
locked up - guarded, perhaps, by one of your creatures. I have been
half-way to Dover, but I tumbled to your scheme in time, Mr. Lassen.
You found our friend Laverick a trifle awkward, I fancy."

Lassen swore through his teeth but said nothing.

"From your somewhat dishevelled appearance," Bellamy continued, "I
think I may conclude that you were not able to come to any amicable
arrangement with Mademoiselle's visitor. He declined to accept you
as her proxy, I imagine. Still, one must make sure."

He advanced quickly. Lassen shrank back in his chair.

"What do you mean?" he asked gruffly. "Keep him away from me,
Henri. Ring the bell for your other man. This fellow will do me
a mischief."

"Not I," Bellamy answered scornfully. "Stay where you are, Henri.
To your other accomplishments I have no doubt you include that of
valeting. Take off his coat."

"But, Monsieur!" Henri protested.

"I'm d-d if he shall!" the man in the chair snarled.

Bellamy turned to the door, locked it, and put the key in his pocket.