CHAPTER VII

"WE PLAY FOR GREAT STAKES "


Bellamy, travel-stained and weary, arrived at his rooms at two
o'clock on the following afternoon to find amongst a pile of
correspondence a penciled message awaiting him in a handwriting he
knew well. He tore open the envelope.

DAVID DEAR, - I have just arrived and I am sending you these few
lines at once. As to what progress I have made, I cannot say for
certain, but there is a chance. You had better get the money ready
and come to me here. If R. could only escape from Streuss and
those who watch him all the time, I should be quite sure, but they
are suspicious. What may happen I cannot tell. I do my best and
I have hated it. Get the money ready and come to me.
LOUISE.


Bellamy drew a little breath and tore the note into pieces. Then
he rang for his servant. "A bath and some clean clothes quickly,"
he ordered. "While I am changing, ring up Downing Street and see
if Sir James is there. If not, find out exactly where he is. I
must see him within half an hour. Afterwards, get me a taxicab."

The man obeyed with the swift efficiency of the thoroughly trained
servant. In rather less than the time which he had stated, Bellamy