events. By that time the scent will be lost, and it will be all
right. Come, Geoff, cheer up! A man of your sort ought not to be
thrown by a mischance like this.'

He stood with his legs apart, his hands thrust deep into his
pockets, a gay laugh on his lips, and much discernment in his eyes.

'Oh, d---n Edith!' he added after a pause, seeing that his efforts
met with no response. 'D---n that child! You used to have some
pluck, Horner.' Horner shook his head and made no answer, but his
very silence was a point gained. He no longer protested nor raised
any objection to his companion's hare-brained scheme. The thing was
feasible, and he knew it.

Conyngham went on to set forth his plans, which with characteristic
rapidity of thought he evolved as he spoke.

'Above all,' he said, 'we must be prompt. I must disappear to-
night, the paragraphs must be in to-morrow's papers. I think I'll
go to Spain. The Carlists seem to be making things lively there.
You know, Horner, I was never meant for a wig and gown--there's no
doubt about that. I shall have a splendid time of it out there--'

He stopped, meeting a queer look in Horner's eyes, who sat leaning
forward and searching his face with jealous glance.

'I was wondering,' said the other, with a pale smile, 'if you were
ever in love with Edith.'

'No, my good soul, I was not,' answered Conyngham, with perfect