sum of money, but strengthened my determination not to be
entrapped again. At the same time I realized that I was up
against it.

The crime in question was fixed for Wednesday or Thursday-so
much I knew. But no more. There was the rub. I really could
not toil up to Town two days running.

"Let's see," I said carelessly," the fete's on- er- Wednesday,
or Thursday, is it?"

"Which day are you going up to Town?" said Daphne. I changed
my ground.

"The Bananas are all right," I said, lighting a cigarette.

"They only ate a missionary the other day," said my sister.

"That's bad," said I musingly. "To any nation the consumption
of home produce is of vital- "

"We want to make sixty pounds."

"To go towards their next meal? How much do missionaries cost?"

"To save their souls alive," said Daphne zealously.

"I'm glad something's to be saved alive," said I.

Before she could reply, tea began to appear. When the footman