I must risk the Kafir boy waking up. I crossed the hall noiselessly and knelt by the study door. For a moment or two I could hear no better. The voices were louder, but I could not distinguish what they said. I applied my eye to the keyhole instead of my ear. As I had guessed, one of the speakers was the big Dutchman. The other man was sitting outside my circumscribed range of vision. Suddenly he rose to get himself a drink. His back, black clad and decorous, came into view. Even before he turned round I knew who he was. Mr. Chichester! Now I began to make out the words. All the same, it is dangerous. Suppose her friends come after her? It was the big man speaking. Chichester answered him. He had dropped his clerical voice entirely. No wonder I had not recognized it. All bluff. They havent an idea where she is. She spoke very positively. I dare say. Ive looked into the matter, and weve nothing to fear. Anyway, its the colonels orders. You dont want to go against them, I suppose? The Dutchman ejaculated something in his own language. I judged it to be a hasty disclaimer. But why not knock her on the head? he growled. It would be simple. The boat is all ready. She could be taken out to sea? Yes, said Chichester meditatively. That is what I should do. She knows too much, that is certain. But the colonel is a man who likes to play a lone handthough no one else must do so. Something in his own words seemed to awaken a memory that annoyed him. He wants information of some kind from this girl. He had paused before the information, and the Dutchman was quick to catch him up. Information? Something of the kind. Diamonds, I said to myself. And now, continued Chichester, give me the lists. For a long time their conversation was quite incomprehensible to me. It seemed to deal with large quantities of vegetables. Dates were mentioned, prices, and various names of places which I did not know. It was quite half an hour before they had finished their checking and counting. Good, said Chichester, and there was a sound as though he pushed back his chair. I will take these with me for the Colonel to see. When do you leave? Ten oclock tomorrow morning will do. Do you want to see the girl before you go? No. There are strict orders that no one is to see her until the colonel comes. Is she all right? I looked in on her when I came in for dinner. She was asleep, I think. What about food? A little starvation will do no harm. The colonel will be here some time tomorrow. She will answer questions better if she is hungry. No one had better go near her till then. Is she securely tied up? The Dutchman laughed. What do you think? They both laughed. So did I, under my breath. Then, as the sounds seemed to betoken that they were about to come out of the room, I beat a hasty retreat. I was just in time. As I reached the head of the stairs, I heard the door of the room open, and at the same time the Kafir stirred and moved. My retreat by the way of the hall door was not to be thought of. I retired prudently to the attic, gathered my bonds round me and lay down again on the floor, in case they should take it into their heads to come and look at me. They did not do so, however. After about an hour, I crept down the stairs, but the Kafir by the door was awake and humming softly to himself. I was anxious to get out of the house, but I did not quite see how to manage it. In the end I was forced to retreat to the attic again. The Kafir was clearly on guard for the night. I remained there patiently all through the sounds of early morning preparation. The men breakfasted in the hall, I could hear their voices distinctly floating up the stairs. I was getting thoroughly unnerved. How on earth was I to get out of the house? I counselled myself to be patient. A rash move might spoil everything. After breakfast came the sounds of Chichester departing. To my intense relief, the Dutchman accompanied him. I waited breathlessly. Breakfast was being cleared away, the work of the house was being done. At last, the various activities seemed to die down. I slipped out from my lair once more. Very carefully I crept down the stairs. The hall was empty. Like a flash I was across it, had unlatched the door, and was outside in the sunshine. I ran down the drive like one possessed. Once outside, I resumed a normal walk. People stared at me curiously, and I do not wonder. My face and clothes must have been covered in dust from rolling about in the attic. At last I came to a garage. I went in. I have met with an accident, I explained. I want a car to take me to Cape Town at once. I must catch the boat to Durban. I had not long to wait. Ten minutes later I was speeding along in the direction of Cape Town. I must know if Chichester was on the boat. Whether to sail on her myself or not, I could not determine, but in the end I decided to do so. Chichester would not know that I had seen him in the villa at Muizenberg. He would doubtless lay further traps for me, but I was forewarned. And he was the man I was after, the man who was seeking the diamonds on behalf of the mysterious Colonel. Alas, for my plans! As I arrived at the docks, the Kilmorden Castle was steaming out to sea. And I had no means of knowing whether Chichester had sailed on her or not! XX I drove to the hotel. There was no one in the lounge that I knew. I ran upstairs and tapped on Suzannes door. Her voice bade me come in. When she saw who it was she literally fell on my neck. Anne, dear, where have you been? Ive been worried to death about you. What have you been doing? Having adventures, I replied. Episode III of The Perils of Pamela. I told her the whole story. She gave vent to a deep sigh when I finished. Why do these things always happen to you? she demanded plaintively. Why does no one gag me and bind me hand and foot? You wouldnt like it if they did, I assured her. To tell you the truth, Im not nearly so keen on having adventures myself as I was. A little of that sort of thing goes a long way. Suzanne seemed unconvinced. An hour or two of gagging and binding would have changed her views quickly enough. Suzanne likes thrills, but she hates being uncomfortable. And what are we all doing now? she asked. I dont quite know, I said thoughtfully. You still go to Rhodesia, of course, to keep an eye on Pagett And you? That was just my difficulty. Had Chichester gone on the Kilmorden, or had he not? Did he mean to carry out his original plan of going to Durban? The hour of his leaving Muizenberg seemed to point to an affirmative answer to both questions. In that case, I might go to Durban by train. I fancied that I should get there before the boat. On the other hand, if the news of my escape were wired to Chichester, and also the information that I had left Cape Town for Durban, nothing was simpler for him than to leave the boat at either Port Elizabeth or East London and so give me the slip completely. It was rather a knotty problem. Well inquire about trains to Durban anyway, I said. And its not too late for morning tea, said Suzanne. Well have it in the lounge. The Durban train left at 815 that evening, so they told me at the office. For the moment I postponed decision and joined Suzanne for somewhat belated eleven oclock tea. Do you feel that you would really recognize Chichester againin any other disguise, I mean? asked Suzanne. I shook my head ruefully. I certainly didnt recognize him as the stewardess, and never should have but for your drawing. The mans a professional actor, Im sure of it, said Suzanne thoughtfully. His makeup is perfectly marvellous. He might come off the boat as a navvy or something, and youd never spot him. Youre very cheering, I said. At that minute, Colonel Race stepped in through the window and came and joined us. What is Sir Eustace doing? asked Suzanne. I havent seen him about today. Rather an odd expression passed over the colonels face. Hes got a little trouble of his own to attend to which is keeping him busy. Tell us about it. I mustnt tell tales out of school. Tell us somethingeven if you have to invent it for our special benefit. Well, what would you say to the famous man in the brown suit having made the voyage with us? What? I felt the colour die out of my face and then surge back again. Fortunately Colonel Race was not looking at me. Its a fact, I believe. Every port watched for him and he bamboozled Pedler into bringing him out as his secretary! Not Mr. Pagett? Oh, not Pagettthe other fellow. Rayburn, he called himself. Have they arrested him? asked Suzanne. Under the table she gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. I waited breathlessly for an answer. He seems to have disappeared into thin air. How does Sir Eustace take it? Regards it as a personal insult offered him by fate. An opportunity of hearing Sir Eustaces views on the matter presented itself later in the day. We were awakened from a refreshing afternoon nap by a pageboy with a note. In touching terms it requested the pleasure of our company at tea in his sitting room. The poor man was indeed in a pitiable state. He poured out his troubles to us, encouraged by Suzannes sympathetic murmurs. (She does that sort of thing very well.) First a perfectly strange woman has the impertinence to get herself murdered in my houseon purpose to annoy me, I do believe. Why my house? Why, of all the houses in Great Britain, choose the Mill House? What harm had I ever done the woman that she must needs get herself murdered there? Suzanne made one of her sympathetic noises again and Sir Eustace proceeded in a still more aggrieved tone. And, if thats not enough, the fellow who murdered her has the impudence, the colossal impudence, to attach himself to me as my secretary. My secretary, if you please! Im tired of secretaries, I wont have any more secretaries. Either theyre concealed murderers or else theyre drunken brawlers. Have you seen Pagetts black eye? But of course you have. How can I go about with a secretary like that? And his face is such a nasty shade of yellow toojust the colour that doesnt go with a black eye. Ive done with secretariesunless I have a girl. A nice girl, with liquid eyes, wholl hold my hand when Im feeling cross. What about you, Miss Anne. Will you take on the job? How often shall I have to hold your hand? I asked, laughing. All day long, replied Sir Eustace gallantly. I shant get much typing done at that rate, I reminded him. That doesnt matter. All this work is Pagetts idea. He works me to death. Im looking forward to leaving him behind in Cape Town. He is staying behind? Yes, hell enjoy himself thoroughly sleuthing about after Rayburn. Thats the sort of thing suits Pagett down to the ground. He adores intrigue. But Im quite serious in my offer. Will you come? Mrs. Blair here is a competent chaperon, and you can have a halfholiday every now and again to dig for bones. Thank you very much, Sir Eustace, I said cautiously, but I think Im leaving for Durban tonight. Now dont be an obstinate girl. Remember, there are lots of lions in Rhodesia. Youll like lions. All girls do. Will they be practising low jumps? I asked, laughing. No, thank you very much, but I must go to Durban. Sir Eustace looked at me, sighed deeply, then opened the door of the adjoining room and called to Pagett. If youve quite finished your afternoon sleep, my dear fellow, perhaps youd do a little work for change. Guy Pagett appeared in the doorway. He bowed to us both, starting slightly at the sight of me, and replied in a melancholy voice I have been typing that memorandum all this afternoon, Sir Eustace. Well, stop typing it then. Go down to the Trade Commissioners Office, or the Board of Agriculture, or the Chamber of Mines, or one of these places, and ask them to lend me some kind of a woman to take to Rhodesia. She must have liquid eyes and not object to my holding her hand. Yes, Sir Eustace. I will ask for a competent shorthand typist. Pagetts a malicious fellow, said Sir Eustace, after the secretary had departed. Id be prepared to bet that hell pick out some slabfaced creature on purpose to annoy me. She must have nice feet tooI forgot to mention that. I clutched Suzanne excitedly by the hand and almost dragged her along to her room. Now, Suzanne, I said, weve got to make plansand make them quickly. Pagett is staying behind hereyou heard that? Yes. I suppose that means that I shant be allowed to go to Rhodesiawhich is very annoying, because I want to go to Rhodesia. How tiresome. Cheer up, I said. Youre going all right. I dont see how you could back out at the last moment without its appearing frightfully suspicious. And, besides, Pagett might suddenly be summoned by Sir Eustace, and it would be far harder for you to attach yourself to him for the journey up. It would hardly be respectable, said Suzanne, dimpling. I should have to pretend a fatal passion for him as an excuse. On the other hand, if you were there when he arrived, it would all be perfectly simple and natural. Besides, I dont think we ought to lose sight of the other two entirely. Oh, Anne, you surely cant suspect Colonel Race or Sir Eustace? I suspect everybody, I said darkly, and if youve read any detective stories, Suzanne, you must know that its always the most unlikely person whos the villain. Lots of criminals have been cheerful fat men like Sir Eustace. Colonel Race isnt particularly fator particularly cheerful either. Sometimes theyre lean and saturnine, I retorted. I dont say I seriously suspect either of them, but, after all, the woman was murdered in Sir Eustaces house Yes, yes, we neednt go over all that again. Ill watch him for you, Anne, and if he gets any fatter and any more cheerful, Ill send you a telegram at once. Sir E. swelling. Highly suspicious. Come at once.  Really, Suzanne, I cried, you seem to think all this is a game! I know I do, said Suzanne, unabashed. It seems like that. Its your fault, Anne. Ive got imbued with your Lets have an adventure spirit. It doesnt seem a bit real. Dear me, if Clarence knew that I was running about Africa tracking dangerous criminals, hed have a fit. Why dont you cable him about it? I asked sarcastically. Suzannes sense of humour always fails her when it comes to sending cables. She considered my suggestion in perfectly good faith. I might. It would have to be a very long one. Her eyes brightened at the thought. But I think its better not. Husbands always want to interfere with perfectly harmless amusements. Well, I said, summing up the situation, you will keep an eye on Sir Eustace and Colonel Race I know why Ive got to watch Sir Eustace, interrupted Suzanne, because of his figure and his humorous conversation. But I think its carrying it rather far to suspect Colonel Race, I do indeed. Why, hes something to do with the secret service. Do you know, Anne, I believe the best thing we could do would be to confide in him and tell him the whole story. I objected vigorously to this unsporting proposal. I recognized in it the disastrous effects of matrimony. How often have I not heard a perfectly intelligent female say, in the tone of one clinching an argument, Edgar says  And all the time you are perfectly aware that Edgar is a perfect fool. Suzanne, by reason of her married state, was yearning to lean upon some man or other. However, she promised faithfully that she would not breathe a word to Colonel Race, and we went on with our planmaking. Its quite clear that I must stay here and watch Pagett, and this is the best way to do it. I must pretend to leave for Durban this evening, take my luggage down and so on, but really I shall go to some small hotel in the town. I can alter my appearance a littlewear a fair toupee and one of those thick white lace veils, and I shall have a much better chance of seeing what hes really at if he thinks Im safely out of the way. Suzanne approved this plan heartily. We made due and ostentatious preparations, inquiring once more about the departure of the train at the office and packing my luggage. We dined together in the restaurant. Colonel Race did not appear, but Sir Eustace and Pagett were at their table in the window. Pagett left the table halfway through the meal, which annoyed me, as I had planned to say goodbye to him. However, doubtless Sir Eustace would do as well. I went over to him when I had finished. Goodbye, Sir Eustace, I said. Im off tonight to Durban. Sir Eustace sighed heavily. So I heard. You wouldnt like me to come with you, would you? I should love it. Nice girl. Sure you wont change your mind and come and look for lions in Rhodesia? Quite sure. He must be a very handsome fellow, said Sir Eustace plaintively. Some young whippersnapper in Durban, I suppose, who puts my mature charms completely in the shade. By the way, Pagetts going down in the car in a minute or two. He could take you to the station. Oh, no, thank you, I said hastily. Mrs. Blair and I have got our own taxi ordered. To go down with Guy Pagett was the last thing I wanted! Sir Eustace looked at me attentively. I dont believe you like Pagett. I dont blame you. Of all the officious, interfering assesgoing about with the air of a martyr, and doing everything he can to annoy and upset me! What has he done now? I inquired with some curiosity. Hes got hold of a secretary for me. You never saw such a woman! Forty, if shes a day, wears pincenez and sensible boots and an air of brisk efficiency that will be the death of me. A regular slabfaced woman. Wont she hold your hand? I devoutly hope not! exclaimed Sir Eustace. That would be the last straw. Well, goodbye, liquid eyes. If I shoot a lion I shant give you the skinafter the base way youve deserted me. He squeezed my hand warmly and we parted. Suzanne was waiting for me in the hall. She was to come down to see me off. Lets start at once, I said hastily, and motioned to the man to get a taxi. Then a voice behind me made me start Excuse me, Miss Beddingfeld, but Im just going down in a car. I can drop you and Mrs. Blair at the station. Oh, thank you, I said hastily. But theres no need to trouble you. I No trouble at all, I assure you. Put the luggage in, porter. I was helpless. I might have protested further, but a slight warning nudge from Suzanne urged me to be on my guard. Thank you, Mr. Pagett, I said coldly. We all got into the car. As we raced down the road into the town, I racked my brains for something to say. In the end Pagett himself broke the silence. I have secured a very capable secretary for Sir Eustace, he observed. Miss Pettigrew. He wasnt exactly raving about her just now, I remarked. Pagett looked at me coldly. She is a proficient shorthand typist, he said repressively. We pulled up in front of the station. Here surely he would leave us. I turned with outstretched handbut no. Ill come and see you off. Its just eight oclock, your train goes in a quarter of an hour. He gave efficient directions to porters. I stood helpless, not daring to look at Suzanne. The man suspected. He was determined to make sure that I did go by the train. And what could I do? Nothing. I saw myself, in a quarter of an hours time, steaming out of the station with Pagett planted on the platform waving me adieu. He had turned the tables on me adroitly. His manner towards me had changed, moreover. It was full of an uneasy geniality which sat ill upon him, and which nauseated me. The man was an oily hypocrite. First he tried to murder me, and now he paid me compliments! Did he imagine for one minute that I hadnt recognized him that night on the boat? No, it was a pose, a pose which he forced me to acquiesce in, his tongue in his cheek all the while. Helpless as a sheep, I moved along under his expert directions. My luggage was piled in my sleeping compartmentI had a twoberth one to myself. It was twelve minutes past eight. In three minutes the train would start. But Pagett had reckoned without Suzanne. It will be a terribly hot journey, Anne, she said suddenly. Especially going through the Karoo tomorrow. Youve got some eau de cologne or lavender water with you, havent you? My cue was plain. Oh, dear, I cried. I left my eau de cologne on the dressing table at the hotel. Suzannes habit of command served her well. She turned imperiously to Pagett. Mr. Pagett. Quick. Youve just time. Theres a chemist almost opposite the station. Anne must have some eau de cologne. He hesitated, but Suzannes imperative manner was too much for him. She is a born autocrat. He went. Suzanne followed him with her eyes till he disappeared. Quick, Anne, get out the other sidein case he hasnt really gone, but is watching us from the end of the platform. Never mind your luggage. You can telegraph about that tomorrow. Oh, if only the train starts on time! I opened the gate on the opposite side to the platform and climbed down. Nobody was observing me. I could just see Suzanne standing where I had left her, looking up at the train and apparently chatting to me at the window. A whistle blew, the train began to draw out. Then I heard feet racing furiously up the platform. I withdrew to the shadow of a friendly bookstall and watched. Suzanne turned from waving her handkerchief to the retreating train. Too late, Mr. Pagett, she said cheerfully. Shes gone. Is that the eau de cologne? What a pity we didnt think of it sooner! They passed not far from me on their way out of the station. Guy Pagett was extremely hot. He had evidently run all the way to the chemist and back. Shall I get you a taxi, Mrs. Blair? Suzanne did not fail in her role. Yes, please. Cant I give you a lift back? Have you much to do for Sir Eustace? Dear me, I wish Anne Beddingfeld was coming with us tomorrow. I dont like the idea of a young girl like that travelling off to Durban all by herself. But she was set upon it. Some little attraction there, I fancy  They passed out of earshot. Clever Suzanne. She had saved me. I allowed a minute or two to elapse and then I too made my way out of the station, almost colliding as I did so with a manan unpleasantlooking man with a nose disproportionately big for his face. XXI I had no further difficulty in carrying out my plans. I found a small hotel in a back street, got a room there, paid a deposit as I had no luggage with me, and went placidly to bed. On the following morning I was up early and went out into the town to purchase a modest wardrobe. My idea was to do nothing until after the departure of the eleven oclock train to Rhodesia with most of the party on board. Pagett was not likely to indulge in any nefarious activities until he had got rid of them. Accordingly I took a tram out of the town and proceeded to enjoy a country walk. It was comparatively cool, and I was glad to stretch my legs after the long voyage and my close confinement at Muizenberg. A lot hinges on small things. My shoelace came untied, and I stopped to do it up. The road had just turned a corner, and as I was bending over the offending shoe a man came right round and almost walked into me. He lifted his hat, murmuring an apology, and went on. It struck me at the time that his face was vaguely familiar, but at the moment I thought no more of it. I looked at my wristwatch. The time was getting on. I turned my feet in the direction of Cape Town. There was a tram on the point of going and I had to run for it. I heard other footsteps running behind me. I swung myself on and so did the other runner. I recognized him at once. It was the man who had passed me on the road when my shoe came untied, and in a flash I knew why his face was familiar. It was the small man with the big nose whom I had run into on leaving the station the night before. The coincidence was rather startling. Could it be possible that the man was deliberately following me? I resolved to test that as promptly as possible. I rang the bell and got off at the next stop. The man did not get off. I withdrew into the shadow of a shop doorway and watched. He alighted at the next stop and walked back in my direction. The case was clear enough. I was being followed. I had crowed too soon. My victory over Guy Pagett took on another aspect. I hailed the next tram and, as I expected, my shadower also got on. I gave myself up to some very serious thinking. It was perfectly apparent that I had stumbled on a bigger thing than I knew. The murder in the house at Marlow was not an isolated incident committed by a solitary individual. I was up against a gang, and, thanks to Colonel Races revelations to Suzanne, and what I had overheard at the house at Muizenberg, I was beginning to understand some of its manifold activities. Systematized crime, organized by the man known to his followers as the Colonel! I remembered some of the talk I had heard on board ship, of the strike on the Rand and the causes underlying itand the belief that some secret organization was at work fomenting the agitation. That was the Colonels work, his emissaries were acting according to plan. He took no part in these things himself, I had always heard, as he limited himself to directing and organizing. The brain worknot the dangerous labourfor him. But still it well might be that he himself was on the spot, directing affairs from an apparently impeccable position. That, then, was the meaning of Colonel Races presence on the Kilmorden Castle. He was out after the archcriminal. Everything fitted in with that assumption. He was someone high up in the secret service whose business it was to lay the Colonel by the heels. I nodded to myselfthings were becoming very clear to me. What of my part in the affair? Where did I come in? Was it only diamonds they were after? I shook my head. Great as the value of the diamonds might be, they hardly accounted for the desperate attempts which had been made to get me out of the way. No, I stood for more than that. In some way, unknown to myself, I was a menace, a danger! Some knowledge that I had, or that they thought I had, made them anxious to remove me at all costsand that knowledge was bound up somehow with the diamonds. There was one person, I felt sure, who could enlighten meif he would! The man in the brown suitHarry Rayburn. He knew the other half of the story. But he had vanished into the darkness, he was a hunted creature flying from pursuit. In all probability he and I would never meet again.  I brought myself back with a jerk to the actualities of the moment. It was no good thinking sentimentally of Harry Rayburn. He had displayed the greatest antipathy to me from the first. Or, at leastThere I was againdreaming! The real problem was what to donow! I, priding myself upon my role of watcher, had become the watched. And I was afraid! For the first time I began to lose my nerve. I was the little bit of grit that was impeding the smooth working of the great machineand I fancied that the machine would have a short way with little bits of grit. Once Harry Rayburn had saved me, once I had saved myselfbut I felt suddenly that the odds were heavily against me. My enemies were all around me in every direction, and they were closing in. If I continued to play a lone hand I was doomed. I rallied myself with an effort. After all, what could they do? I was in a civilized citywith policemen every few yards. I would be wary in future. They should not trap me again as they had done in Muizenberg. As I reached this point in my meditations, the train arrived at Adderly Street. I got out. Undecided what to do, I walked slowly up the lefthand side of the street. I did not trouble to look if my watcher was behind me. I knew he was. I walked into Cartwrights and ordered two coffee icecream sodasto steady my nerves. A man, I suppose, would have had a stiff peg; but girls derive a lot of comfort from icecream sodas. I applied myself to the end of the straw with gusto. The cool liquid went trickling down my throat in the most agreeable manner. I pushed the first glass aside empty. I was sitting on one of the little high stools in front of the counter. Out of the tail of my eye, I saw my tracker come in and sit down unostentatiously at a little table near the door. I finished the second coffee soda and demanded a maple one. I can drink practically an unlimited amount of icecream sodas. Suddenly the man by the door got up and went out. That surprised me. If he was going to wait outside, why not wait outside from the beginning. I slipped down from my stool and went cautiously to the door. I drew back quickly into the shadow. The man was talking to Guy Pagett. If I had ever had any doubts, that would have settled it. Pagett had his watch out and was looking at it. They exchanged a few brief words, and then the secretary swung on down the street towards the station. Evidently he had given his orders. But what were they? Suddenly my heart leapt into my mouth. The man who had followed me crossed to the middle of the road and spoke to a policeman. He spoke at some length, gesticulating towards Cartwrights and evidently explaining something. I saw the plan at once. I was to be arrested on some charge or otherpocket picking, perhaps. It would be easy enough for the gang to put through a simple little matter like that. Of what good to protest my innocence? They would have seen to every detail. Long ago they had brought a charge of robbing De Beers against Harry Rayburn, and he had not been able to disprove it, though I had little doubt but that he had been absolutely blameless. What chance had I against such a frameup as the Colonel could devise? I glanced up at the clock almost mechanically, and immediately another aspect of the case struck me. I saw the point of Guy Pagetts looking at his watch. It was just on eleven, and at eleven the mail train left for Rhodesia bearing with it the influential friends who might otherwise come to my rescue. That was the reason of my immunity up to now. From last night till eleven this morning I had been safe, but now the net was closing in upon me. I hurriedly opened my bag and paid for my drinks, and as I did so, my heart seemed to stand still, for inside it was a mans wallet stuffed with notes! It must have been deftly introduced into my handbag as I left the tram. Promptly I lost my head. I hurried out of Cartwrights. The little man with the big nose and the policeman were just crossing the road. They saw me, and the little man designated me excitedly to the policeman. I took to my heels and ran. I judged him to be a slow policeman. I should get a start. But I had no plan, even then. I just ran for my life down Adderly Street. People began to stare. I felt that in another minute someone would stop me. An idea flashed into my head. The station? I asked, in a breathless gasp. Just down on the right. I sped on. It is permissible to run for a train. I turned into the station, but as I did so I heard footsteps close behind me. The little man with the big nose was a champion sprinter. I foresaw that I should be stopped before I got to the platform I was in search of. I looked up to the clockone minute to eleven. I might just do it if my plan succeeded. I had entered the station by the main entrance in Adderly Street. I now darted out again through the side exit. Directly opposite me was the side entrance to the post office, the main entrance to which is in Adderly Street. As I expected, my pursuer, instead of following me in, ran down the street to cut me off when I emerged by the main entrance, or to warn the policeman to do so. In an instant I slipped across the street again and back into the station. I ran like a lunatic. It was just eleven. The long train was moving as I appeared on the platform. A porter tried to stop me, but I wriggled myself out of his grasp and sprang upon the footboard. I mounted the two steps and opened the gate. I was safe! The train was gathering way. We passed a man standing by himself at the end of the platform. I waved to him. Goodbye, Mr. Pagett, I shouted. Never have I seen a man more taken aback.


He looked as though he had seen a ghost. In a minute or two I was having trouble with the conductor. But I took a lofty tone. I am Sir Eustace Pedlers secretary, I said haughtily. Please take me to his private car. Suzanne and Colonel Race were standing on the rear observation platform. They both uttered an exclamation of utter surprise at seeing me. Hullo, Miss Anne, cried Colonel Race, where have you turned up from? I thought youd gone to Durban. What an unexpected person you are. Suzanne said nothing, but her eyes asked a hundred questions. I must report myself to my chief, I said demurely. Where is he? Hes in the officemiddle compartmentdictating at an incredible rate to the unfortunate Miss Pettigrew. This enthusiasm for work is something new, I commented. Hm! said Colonel Race. His idea is, I think, to give her sufficient work to chain her to her typewriter in her own compartment for the rest of the day. I laughed. Then, followed by the other two, I sought out Sir Eustace. He was striding up and down the circumscribed space, hurling a flood of words at the unfortunate secretary whom I now saw for the first time. A tall, square woman in drab clothing, with pincenez and an efficient air. I judged that she was finding it difficult to keep pace with Sir Eustace, for her pencil was flying along, and she was frowning horribly. I stepped into the compartment. Come aboard, sir, I said saucily. Sir Eustace paused dead in the middle of a complicated sentence on the labour situation and stared at me. Miss Pettigrew must be a nervous creature, in spite of her efficient air, for she jumped as though she had been shot. God bless my soul! ejaculated Sir Eustace. What about the young man in Durban? I prefer you, I said softly. Darling, said Sir Eustace. You can start holding my hand at once. Miss Pettigrew coughed, and Sir Eustace hastily withdrew his hand. Ah, yes, he said. Let me see, where were we? Yes. Tylman Roos, in his speech atWhats the matter? Why arent you taking it down? I think, said Colonel Race gently, that Miss Pettigrew has broken her pencil. He took it from her and sharpened it. Sir Eustace stared, and so did I. There was something in Colonel Races tone that I did not quite understand. XXII (Extract from the diary of Sir Eustace Pedler) I am inclined to abandon my reminiscences. Instead I shall write a short article entitled Secretaries I Have Had. As regards secretaries, I seem to have fallen under a blight. At one minute I have no secretaries, at another I have too many. At the present minute I am journeying to Rhodesia with a pack of women. Race goes off with the two bestlooking, of course, and leaves me with the dud. That is what always happens to meand, after all, this is my private car, not Races. Also Anne Beddingfeld is accompanying me to Rhodesia on the pretext of being my temporary secretary. But all this afternoon she has been out on the observation platform with Race exclaiming at the beauty of the Hex River Pass. It is true that I told her her principal duty would be to hold my hand. But she isnt even doing that. Perhaps she is afraid of Miss Pettigrew. I dont blame her if so. There is nothing attractive about Miss Pettigrewshe is a repellent female with large feet, more like a man than a woman. There is something very mysterious about Anne Beddingfeld. She jumped on board the train at the last minute, puffing like a steam engine for all the world as though shed been running a raceand yet Pagett told me that hed seen her off to Durban last night! Either Pagett has been drinking again or else the girl must have an astral body. And she never explains. Nobody ever explains. Yes, Secretaries I Have Had. No. 1, a murderer fleeing from justice. No. 2, a secret drinker who carries on disreputable intrigues in Italy. No. 3, a beautiful girl who possesses the useful faculty of being in two places at once. No. 4, Miss Pettigrew, who, I have no doubt, is really a particularly dangerous crook in disguise! Probably one of Pagetts Italian friends that he has palmed off on me. I shouldnt wonder if the world found some day that it had been grossly deceived by Pagett. On the whole, I think Rayburn was the best of the bunch. He never worried me or got in my way. Guy Pagett has had the impertinence to have the stationery trunk put in here. None of us can move without falling over it. I went out on the observation platform just now, expecting my appearance to be greeted with hails of delight. Both the women were listening spellbound to one of Races travellers tales. I shall label this carnot Sir Eustace Pedler and Party, but Colonel Race and Harem. Then Mrs. Blair must needs begin taking silly photographs. Every time we went round a particularly appalling curve, as we climbed higher and higher, she snapped at the engine. You see the point, she cried delightedly. It must be some curve if you can photograph the front part of the train from the back, and with the mountain background it will look awfully dangerous. I pointed out to her that no one could possibly tell it had been taken from the back of the train. She looked at me pityingly. I shall write underneath it Taken from the train. Engine going round a curve.  You could write that under any snapshot of a train, I said. Women never think of these simple things. Im glad weve come up here in daylight, cried Anne Beddingfeld. I shouldnt have seen this if Id gone last night to Durban, should I? No, said Colonel Race, smiling. Youd have waked up tomorrow morning to find yourself in the Karoo, a hot, dusty desert of stones and rocks. Im glad I changed my mind, said Anne, sighing contentedly, and looking round. It was rather a wonderful sight. The great mountains all around, through which we turned and twisted and laboured ever steadily upwards. Is this the best train in the day to Rhodesia? asked Anne Beddingfeld. In the day? laughed Race. Why, my dear Miss Anne, there are only three trains a week. Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Do you realize that you dont arrive at the falls until Saturday next? How well we shall know each other by that time, said Mrs. Blair maliciously. How long are you going to stay at the falls, Sir Eustace? That depends, I said cautiously. On what? On how things go at Johannesburg. My original idea was to stay a couple of days or so at the fallswhich Ive never seen, though this is my third visit to Africaand then go on to Joburg and study the conditions of things on the Rand. At home, you know, I pose as being an authority on South African politics. But from all I hear, Joburg will be a particularly unpleasant place to visit in about a weeks time. I dont want to study conditions in the midst of a raging revolution. Race smiled in a rather superior manner. I think your fears are exaggerated, Sir Eustace. There will be no great danger in Joburg. The women immediately looked at him in the what a brave hero you are manner. It annoyed me intensely. I am every bit as brave as Racebut I lack the figure. These long, lean, brown men have it all their own way. I suppose youll be there, I said coldly. Very possibly. We might travel together. Im not sure that I shant stay on at the falls a bit, I answered noncommittally. Why is Race so anxious that I should go to Joburg? Hes got his eye on Anne, I believe. What are your plans, Miss Anne? That depends, she replied demurely, copying me. I thought you were my secretary, I objected. Oh, but Ive been cut out. Youve been holding Miss Pettigrews hand all the afternoon. Whatever Ive been doing, I can swear Ive not been doing that, I assured her. Thursday night. We have just left Kimberley. Race was made to tell the story of the diamond robbery all over again. Why are women so excited by anything to do with diamonds? At last Anne Beddingfeld has shed her veil of mystery. It seems that shes a newspaper correspondent. She sent an immense cable from De Aar this morning. To judge by the jabbering that went on nearly all night in Mrs. Blairs cabin, she must have been reading aloud all her special articles for years to come. It seems that all along shes been on the track of the man in the brown suit. Apparently she didnt spot him on the Kilmordenin fact, she hardly had the chance, but shes now very busy cabling home How I journeyed out with the murderer, and inventing highly fictitious stories of What he said to me, etc. I know how these things are done. I do them myself, in my reminiscences when Pagett will let me. And of course one of Nasbys efficient staff will brighten up the details still more, so that when it appears in the Daily Budget Rayburn wont recognize himself. The girls clever, though. All on her own, apparently, shes ferreted out the identity of the woman who was killed in my house. She was a Russian dancer called Nadina. I asked Anne Beddingfeld if she was sure of this. She replied that it was merely a deductionquite in the Sherlock Holmes manner. However, I gather that she had cabled it home to Nasby as a proved fact. Women have these intuitionsIve no doubt that Anne Beddingfeld is perfectly right in her guessbut to call it a deduction is absurd. How she ever got on the staff of the Daily Budget is more than I can imagine. But she is the kind of young woman who does these things. Impossible to withstand her. She is full of coaxing ways that mask an invincible determination. Look how she has got into my private car! I am beginning to have an inkling why. Race said something about the police suspecting that Rayburn would make for Rhodesia. He might just have got off by Mondays train. They telegraphed all along the line, I presume, and no one of his description was found, but that says little. Hes an astute young man and he knows Africa. Hes probably exquisitely disguised as an old Kafir womanand the simple police continue to look for a handsome young man with a scar, dressed in the height of European fashion. I never did quite swallow that scar. Anyway, Anne Beddingfeld is on his track. She wants the glory of discovering him for herself and the Daily Budget. Young women are very coldblooded nowadays. I hinted to her that it was an unwomanly action. She laughed at me. She assured me that did she run him to earth her fortune was made. Race doesnt like it, either, I can see. Perhaps Rayburn is on this train. If so, we may all be murdered in our beds. I said so to Mrs. Blairbut she seemed quite to welcome the idea, and remarked that if I were murdered it would be really a terrific scoop for Anne! A scoop for Anne indeed! Tomorrow we shall be going through Bechuanaland. The dust will be atrocious. Also at every station, little Kafir children come and sell you quaint wooden animals that they carve themselves. Also mealie bowls and baskets. I am rather afraid that Mrs. Blair may run amok. There is a primitive charm about these toys that I feel will appeal to her. Friday evening. As I feared. Mrs. Blair and Anne have bought fortynine wooden animals! XXIII (Annes narrative resumed) I thoroughly enjoyed the journey up to Rhodesia. There was something new and exciting to see every day. First the wonderful scenery of the Hex River valley, then the desolate grandeur of the Karoo, and finally that wonderful straight stretch of line in Bechuanaland, and the perfectly adorable toys the natives brought to sell. Suzanne and I were nearly left behind at each stationif you could call them stations. It seemed to me that the train just stopped whenever it felt like it, and no sooner had it done so than a horde of natives materialized out of the empty landscape, holding up mealie bowls and sugar canes and fur karosses and adorable carved wooden animals. Suzanne began at once to make a collection of the latter. I imitated her examplemost of them cost a tiki (threepence) and each was different. There were giraffes and tigers and snakes and a melancholy looking eland and absurd little black warriors. We enjoyed ourselves enormously. Sir Eustace tried to restrain usbut in vain. I still think it was a miracle we were not left behind at some oasis of the line. South African trains dont hoot or get excited when they are going to start off again. They just glide quietly away, and you look up from your bargaining and run for your life. Suzannes amazement at seeing me climb upon the train at Cape Town can be imagined. We held an exhaustive survey of the situation on the first evening out. We talked half the night. It had become clear to me that defensive tactics must be adopted as well as aggressive ones. Travelling with Sir Eustace Pedler and his party, I was fairly safe. Both he and Colonel Race were powerful protectors, and I judged that my enemies would not wish to stir up a hornets nest about my ears. Also, as long as I was near Sir Eustace, I was more or less in touch with Guy Pagettand Guy Pagett was the heart of the mystery. I asked Suzanne whether in her opinion it was possible that Pagett himself was the mysterious Colonel. His subordinate position was, of course, against the assumption, but it had struck me once or twice that, for all his autocratic ways, Sir Eustace was really very much influenced by his secretary. He was an easygoing man, and one whom an adroit secretary might be able to twist round his little finger. The comparative obscurity of his position might in reality be useful to him, since he would be anxious to be well out of the limelight. Suzanne, however, negatived these ideas very strongly. She refused to believe that Guy Pagett was the ruling spirit. The real headthe Colonelwas somewhere in the background and had probably been already in Africa at the time of our arrival. I agreed that there was much to be said for her view, but I was not entirely satisfied. For in each suspicious instance Pagett had been shown as the directing genius. It was true that his personality seemed to lack the assurance and decision that one would expect from a master criminalbut after all, according to Colonel Race, it was brain work only that this mysterious leader supplied, and creative genius is often allied to a weak and timorous physical constitution. There speaks the professors daughter, interrupted Suzanne, when I had got to this point in my argument. Its true, all the same. On the other hand, Pagett may be the Grand Vizier, so to speak, of the All Highest. I was silent for a minute or two, and then went on musingly I wish I knew how Sir Eustace made his money! Suspecting him again? Suzanne, Ive got into that state that I cant help suspecting somebody! I dont really suspect himbut, after all, he is Pagetts employer, and he did own the Mill House. Ive always heard that he made his money in some way he isnt anxious to talk about, said Suzanne thoughtfully. But that doesnt necessarily mean crimeit might be tin tacks or hair restorer! I agreed ruefully. I suppose, said Suzanne doubtfully, that were not barking up the wrong tree? Being led completely astray, I mean, by assuming Pagetts complicity? Supposing that, after all, he is a perfectly honest man? I considered that for a minute or two, then I shook my head. I cant believe that. After all, he has his explanations for everything. Yes, but theyre not very convincing. For instance, the night he tried to throw me overboard on the Kilmorden, he says he followed Rayburn up on deck and Rayburn turned and knocked him down. Now we know thats not true. No, said Suzanne unwillingly. But we only heard the story at secondhand from Sir Eustace. If wed heard it direct from Pagett himself, it might have been different. You know how people always get a story a little wrong when they repeat it. I turned the thing over in my mind. No, I said at last, I dont see any way out. Pagetts guilty. You cant get away from the fact that he tried to throw me overboard, and everything else fits in. Why are you so persistent in this new idea of yours? Because of his face? His face? But Yes, I know what youre going to say. Its a sinister face. Thats just it. No man with a face like that could be really sinister. It must be a colossal joke on the part of Nature. I did not believe much in Suzannes argument. I know a lot about Nature in past ages. If shes got a sense of humour, she doesnt show it much. Suzanne is just the sort of person who would clothe Nature with all her own attributes. We passed on to discuss our immediate plans. It was clear to me that I must have some kind of standing. I couldnt go on avoiding explanations forever. The solution of all my difficulties lay ready to my hand, though I didnt think of it for some time. The Daily Budget! My silence or my speech could no longer affect Harry Rayburn. He was marked down as the man in the brown suit through no fault of mine. I could help him best by seeming to be against him. The Colonel and his gang must have no suspicion that there existed any friendly feeling between me and the man they had elected to be the scapegoat of the murder at Marlow. As far as I knew, the woman killed was still unidentified. I would cable to Lord Nasby, suggesting that she was no other than the famous Russian dancer Nadina who had been delighting Paris for so long. It seemed incredible to me that she had not been identified alreadybut when I learnt more of the case long afterwards I saw how natural it really was. Nadina had never been to England during her successful career in Paris. She was unknown to London audiences. The pictures in the papers of the Marlow victim were so blurred and unrecognizable that it is small wonder no one identified them. And, on the other hand, Nadina had kept her intention of visiting England a profound secret from everyone. The day after the murder a letter had been received by her manager purporting to be from the dancer, in which she said that she was returning to Russia on urgent private affairs and that he must deal with her broken contract as best he could. All this, of course, I only learned afterwards. With Suzannes full approval, I sent a long cable from De Aar. It arrived at a psychological moment (this again, of course, I learnt afterwards). The Daily Budget was hard up for a sensation. My guess was verified and proved to be correct and the Daily Budget had the scoop of its lifetime. Victim of the Mill House murder identified by our special reporter. And so on. Our reporter makes voyage with the murderer. The man in the brown suit, what he is really like. The main facts were, of course, cabled to the South African papers, but I only read my own lengthy articles at a much later date! I received approval and full instructions by cable at Bulawayo. I was on the staff of the Daily Budget, and I had a private word of congratulation from Lord Nasby himself. I was definitely accredited to hunt down the murderer, and I, and only I, knew that the murderer was not Harry Rayburn! But let the world think that it was hebest so for the present. XXIV We arrived at Bulawayo early on Saturday morning. I was disappointed in the place. It was very hot, and I hated the hotel. Also Sir Eustace was what I can only describe as thoroughly sulky. I think it was all our wooden animals that annoyed himespecially the big giraffe. It was a colossal giraffe with an impossible neck, a mild eye and a dejected tail. It had character. It had charm. A controversy was already arising as to whom it belongedme or Suzanne. We had each contributed a tiki to its purchase. Suzanne advanced the claims of seniority and the married state, I stuck to the position that I had been the first to behold its beauty. In the meantime, I must admit, it occupied a good deal of this threedimensional space of ours. To carry fortynine wooden animals, all of awkward shape, and all of extremely brittle wood, is somewhat of a problem. Two porters were laden with a bunch of animals eachand one promptly dropped a ravishing group of ostriches and broke their heads off. Warned by this, Suzanne and I carried all we could, Colonel Race helped, and I pressed the big giraffe into Sir Eustaces arms. Even the correct Miss Pettigrew did not escape, a large hippopotamus and two black warriors fell to her share. I had a feeling Miss Pettigrew didnt like me. Perhaps she fancied I was a bold hussy. Anyway, she avoided me as much as she could. And the funny thing was, her face seemed vaguely familiar to me, though I couldnt quite place it. We reposed ourselves most of the morning, and in the afternoon we drove out to the Matoppos to see Rhodess grave. That is to say, we were to have done so, but at the last moment Sir Eustace backed out. He was very nearly in as bad a temper as the morning we arrived at Cape Townwhen he bounced the peaches on the floor and they squashed! Evidently arriving early in the morning at places is bad for his temperament. He cursed the porters, he cursed the waiters at breakfast, he cursed the whole hotel management, he would doubtless have liked to curse Miss Pettigrew who hovered around with her pencil and pad, but I dont think even Sir Eustace would have dared to curse Miss Pettigrew. Shes just like the efficient secretary in a book. I only rescued our dear giraffe just in time. I feel Sir Eustace would have liked to dash him to the ground. To return to our expedition, after Sir Eustace had backed out, Miss Pettigrew said she would remain at home in case he might want her. And at the very last minute Suzanne sent down a message to say she had a headache. So Colonel Race and I drove off alone. He is a strange man. One doesnt notice it so much in a crowd. But, when one is alone with him, the sense of his personality seems really almost overpowering. He becomes more taciturn, and yet his silence seems to say more than speech might do. It was so that day that we drove to the Matoppos through the soft yellow brown scrub. Everything seemed strangely silentexcept our car which I should think was the first Ford ever made by man! The upholstery of it was torn to ribbons and, though I know nothing about engines, even I could guess that all was not as it should be in its interior. By and by the character of the country changed. Great boulders appeared, piled up into fantastic shapes. I felt suddenly that I had got into a primitive era. Just for a moment Neanderthal men seemed quite as real to me as they had to Papa. I turned to Colonel Race. There must have been giants once, I said dreamily. And their children were just like children are todaythey played with handfuls of pebbles, piling them up and knocking them down, and the more cleverly they balanced them, the better pleased they were. If I were to give a name to this place I should call it The Country of Giant Children. Perhaps youre nearer the mark than you know, said Colonel Race gravely. Simple, primitive, bigthat is Africa. I nodded appreciatively. You love it, dont you? I asked. Yes. But to live in it longwell, it makes one what you would call cruel. One comes to hold life and death very lightly. Yes, I said, thinking of Harry Rayburn. He had been like that too. But not cruel to weak things? Opinions differ as to what are and are not weak things, Miss Anne. There was a note of seriousness in his voice which almost startled me. I felt that I knew very little really of this man at my side. I meant children and dogs, I think. I can truthfully say Ive never been cruel to children or dogs. So you dont class women as weak things? I considered. No, I dont think I dothough they are, I suppose. That is, they are nowadays. But Papa always said that in the beginning men and women roamed the world together, equal in strengthlike lions and tigers And giraffes? interpolated Colonel Race slyly. I laughed. Everyone makes fun of that giraffe. And giraffes. They were nomadic, you see. It wasnt till they settled down in communities, and women did one kind of thing and men another that women got weak. And of course, underneath, one is still the sameone feels the same, I mean, and that is why women worship physical strength in menits what they once had and have lost. Almost ancestor worship, in fact? Something of the kind. And you really think thats true? That women worship strength, I mean? I think its quite trueif ones honest. You think you admire moral qualities, but when you fall in love, you revert to the primitive where the physical is all that counts. But I dont think thats the endif you lived in primitive conditions it would be all right, but you dontand so, in the end, the other thing wins after all. Its the things that are apparently conquered that always do win, isnt it? They win in the only way that counts. Like what the Bible says about losing your soul and finding it. In the end, said Colonel Race thoughtfully, you fall in loveand you fall out of it, is that what you mean? Not exactly, but you can put it that way if you like. But I dont think youve ever fallen out of love, Miss Anne? No, I havent, I admitted frankly. Or fallen in love, either? I did not answer. The car drew up at our destination and brought the conversation to a close. We got out and began the slow ascent to the Worlds View. Not for the first time, I felt a slight discomfort in Colonel Races company. He veiled his thoughts so well behind those impenetrable black eyes. He frightened me a little. He had always frightened me. I never knew where I stood with him. We climbed in silence till we reached the spot where Rhodes lies guarded by giant boulders. A strange eerie place, far from the haunts of men, that sings a ceaseless paean of rugged beauty. We sat there for some time in silence. Then descended once more, but diverging slightly from the path. Sometimes it was a rough scramble and once we came to a sharp slope or rock that was almost sheer. Colonel Race went first, then turned to help me. Better lift you, he said suddenly, and swung me off my feet with a quick gesture. I felt the strength of him as he set me down and released his clasp. A man of iron, with muscles like taut steel. And again, I felt afraid, especially as he did not move aside, but stood directly in front of me, staring into my face. What are you really doing here, Anne Beddingfeld? he said abruptly. Im a gipsy seeing the world. Yes, thats true enough. The newspaper correspondent is only a pretext. Youve not the soul of the journalist. Youre out for your own handsnatching at life. But thats not all. What was he going to make me tell him? I was afraidafraid. I looked him full in the face. My eyes cant keep secrets like his, but they can carry the war into the enemys country. What are you really doing here, Colonel Race? I asked deliberately. For a moment I thought he wasnt going to answer. He was clearly taken aback, though. At last he spoke, and his words seemed to afford him a grim amusement. Pursuing ambition, he said. Just thatpursuing ambition. You will remember, Miss Beddingfeld, that by that sin fell the angels, etc. They say, I said slowly, that you are really connected with the governmentthat you are in the secret service. Is that true? Was it my fancy, or did he hesitate for a fraction of a second before he answered? I can assure you, Miss Beddingfeld, that I am out here strictly as a private individual travelling for my own pleasure. Thinking the answer over later, it struck me as slightly ambiguous. Perhaps he meant it to be so. We rejoined the car in silence. Halfway back to Bulawayo we stopped for tea at a somewhat primitive structure at the side of the road. The proprietor was digging in the garden and seemed annoyed at being disturbed. But he graciously promised to see what he could do. After an interminable wait he brought us some stale cakes and some lukewarm tea. Then he disappeared to his garden again. No sooner had he departed than we were surrounded by cats. Six of them all meowing piteously at once. The racket was deafening. I offered them some pieces of cake. They devoured them ravenously. I poured all the milk there was into a saucer and they fought each other to get it. Oh, I cried indignantly, theyre starved! Its wicked. Please, please, order some more milk and another plate of cake. Colonel Race departed silently to do my bidding. The cats had begun meowing again. He returned with a big jug of milk and the cats finished it all. I got up with determination on my face. Im going to take those cats home with usI shant leave them here. My dear child, dont be absurd. You cant carry six cats as well as fifty wooden animals round with you. Never mind the wooden animals. These cats are alive. I shall take them back with me. You will do nothing of the kind. I looked at him resentfully, but he went on You think me cruelbut one cant go through life sentimentalizing over these things. Its no good standing outI shant allow you to take them. Its a primitive country, you know, and Im stronger than you. I always know when I am beaten. I went down to the car with tears in my eyes. Theyre probably short of food just today, he explained consolingly. That mans wife has gone into Bulawayo for stores. So it will be all right. And anyway, you know, the worlds full of starving cats. Dontdont, I said fiercely. Im teaching you to realize life as it is. Im teaching you to be hard and ruthlesslike I am. Thats the secret of strengthand the secret of success. Id sooner be dead than hard, I said passionately. We got into the car and started off. I pulled myself together again slowly. Suddenly, to my intense astonishment, he took my hand in his. Anne, he said gently, I want you. Will you marry me? I was utterly taken aback. Oh, no, I stammered. I cant. Why not? I dont care for you in that way. Ive never thought of you like that. I see. Is that the only reason? I had to be honest. I owed it him. No, I said, it is not. You seeIcare for someone else. I see, he said again. And was that true at the beginningwhen I first saw youon the Kilmorden? No, I whispered. It wassince then. I see, he said for the third time, but this time there was a purposeful ring in his voice that made me turn and look at him. His face was grimmer than I had ever seen it. Whatwhat do you mean? I faltered. He looked at me, inscrutable, dominating. Onlythat I know now what I have to do. His words sent a shiver through me. There was a determination behind them that I did not understandand it frightened me. We neither of us said any more until we got back to the hotel. I went straight up to Suzanne. She was lying on her bed reading, and did not look in the least as though she had a headache. Here reposes the perfect gooseberry, she remarked. Alias the tactful chaperone. Why, Anne dear, whats the matter? For I had burst into a flood of tears. I told her about the catsI felt it wasnt fair to tell her about Colonel Race. But Suzanne is very sharp. I think she saw that there was something more behind. You havent caught a chill, have you, Anne? Sounds absurd even to suggest such things in this heat, but you keep on shivering. Its nothing, I said. Nervesor someone walking over my grave. I keep feeling something dreadfuls going to happen. Dont be silly, said Suzanne, with decision. Lets talk of something interesting. Anne, about those diamonds What about them? Im not sure theyre safe with me. It was all right before, no one could think theyd be amongst my things. But now that everyone knows were such friends, you and I, Ill be under suspicion too. Nobody knows theyre in a roll of films, though, I argued. Its a splendid hiding place and I really dont think we could better it. She agreed doubtfully, but said we would discuss it again when we got to the falls. Our train went at nine oclock. Sir Eustaces temper was still far from good, and Miss Pettigrew looked subdued. Colonel Race was completely himself. I felt that I had dreamed the whole conversation on the way back. I slept heavily that night on my hard bunk, struggling with illdefined, menacing dreams. I awoke with a headache and went out on the observation platform of the car.


It was fresh and lovely, and everywhere, as far as one could see, were the undulating wooded hills. I loved itloved it more than any place I had ever seen. I wished then that I could have a little hut somewhere in the heart of the scrub and live there alwaysalways.  Just before halfpast two, Colonel Race called me out from the office and pointed to a bouquetshaped white mist that hovered over one portion of the bush. The spray from the falls, he said. We are nearly there. I was still wrapped in that strange dream feeling of exaltation that had succeeded my troubled night. Very strongly implanted in me was the feeling that I had come home.  Home! And yet I had never been here beforeor had I in dreams? We walked from the train to the hotel, a big white building closely wired against mosquitoes. There were no roads, no houses. We went out on the stoep and I uttered a gasp. There, half a mile away, facing us, were the falls. Ive never seen anything so grand and beautifulI never shall. Anne, youre fey, said Suzanne, as we sat down to lunch. Ive never seen you like this before. She stared at me curiously. Am I? I laughed, but I felt that my laugh was unnatural. Its just that I love it all. Its more than that. A little frown creased her browone of apprehension. Yes, I was happy, but beyond that I had the curious feeling that I was waiting for somethingsomething that would happen soon. I was excitedrestless. After tea we strolled out, got on the trolley and were pushed by smiling blacks down the little tracks of rails to the bridge. It was a marvellous sight, the great chasm and the rushing waters below, and the veil of mist and spray in front of us that parted every now and then for one brief minute to show the cataract of water and then closed up again in its impenetrable mystery. That, to my mind, has always been the fascination of the fallstheir elusive quality. You always think youre going to seeand you never do. We crossed the bridge and walked slowly on by the path that was marked out with white stone on either side and led round the brink of the gorge. Finally we arrived in a big clearing where on the left a path led downwards towards the chasm. The palm gully, explained Colonel Race. Shall we go down? Or shall we leave it until tomorrow? It will take some time, and its a good climb up again. Well leave it until tomorrow, said Sir Eustace with decision. He isnt at all fond of strenuous physical exercise, I have noticed. He led the way back. As we went, we passed a fine native stalking along. Behind him came a woman who seemed to have the entire household belongings piled upon her head! The collection included a frying pan! I never have my camera when I want it, groaned Suzanne. Thats an opportunity that will occur often enough, Mrs. Blair, said Colonel Race. So dont lament. We arrived back on the bridge. Shall we go into the rainbow forest? he continued. Or are you afraid of getting wet? Suzanne and I accompanied him. Sir Eustace went back to the hotel. I was rather disappointed in the rainbow forest. There werent nearly enough rainbows, and we got soaked to the skin, but every now and then we got a glimpse of the falls opposite and realized how enormously wide they are. Oh, dear, dear Falls, how I love and worship you and always shall! We got back to the hotel just in time to change for dinner. Sir Eustace seems to have taken a positive antipathy to Colonel Race. Suzanne and I rallied him gently, but didnt get much satisfaction. After dinner, he retired to his sitting room, dragging Miss Pettigrew with him. Suzanne and I talked for a while with Colonel Race, and then she declared, with an immense yawn, that she was going to bed. I didnt want to be left alone with him, so I got up too and went to my room. But I was far too excited to go to sleep. I did not even undress. I lay back in a chair and gave myself up to dreaming. And all the time I was conscious of something coming nearer and nearer.  There was a knock at the door and I started. I got up and went to it. A little black boy held out a note. It was addressed to me in a handwriting I did not know. I took it and came back into the room. I stood there holding it. At last I opened it. It was very short I must see you. I dare not come to the hotel. Will you come to the clearing by the palm gully? In memory of cabin 17 please come. The man you knew as Harry Rayburn. My heart beat to suffocation. He was here then! Oh, I had known itI had known it all along! I had felt him near me. All unwittingly I had come to his place of retreat. I wound a scarf round my head and stole to the door. I must be careful. He was hunted down. No one must see me meet him. I stole along to Suzannes room. She was fast asleep. I could hear her breathing evenly. Sir Eustace? I paused outside the door of his sitting room. Yes, he was dictating to Miss Pettigrew, I could hear her monotonous voice repeating. I therefore venture to suggest, that in tackling this problem of coloured labour  She paused for him to continue, and I heard him grunt something angrily. I stole on again. Colonel Races room was empty. I did not see him in the lounge. And he was the man I feared most! Still, I could waste no more time. I slipped quickly out of the hotel and took the path to the bridge. I crossed it and stood there waiting in the shadow. If anyone had followed me, I should see them crossing the bridge. But the minutes passed, and no one came. I had not been followed. I turned and took the path to the clearing. I took six paces or so and then stopped. Something had rustled behind me. It could not be anyone who had followed me from the hotel. It was someone who was already here, waiting. And immediately, without rhyme or reason, but with the sureness of instinct, I knew that it was I myself who was threatened. It was the same feeling as I had had on the Kilmorden that nighta sure instinct warning me of danger. I looked sharply over my shoulder. Silence. I moved on a pace or two. Again I heard that rustle. Still walking, I looked over my shoulder again. A mans figure came out of the shadow. He saw that I saw him, and jumped forward, hard on my track. It was too dark to recognize anybody. All I could see was that he was tall, and a European, not a native. I took to my heels and ran. I heard him pounding behind. I ran quicker, keeping my eyes fixed on the white stones that showed me where to step, for there was no moon that night. And suddenly my foot felt nothingness. I heard the man behind me laugh, an evil, sinister laugh. It rang in my ears, as I fell headlongdowndowndown to destruction far beneath. XXV I came to myself slowly and painfully. I was conscious of an aching head and a shooting pain down my left arm when I tried to move, and everything seemed dreamlike and unreal. Nightmare visions floated before me. I felt myself fallingfalling again. Once Harry Rayburns face seemed to come to me out of the mist. Almost I imagined it real. Then it floated away again, mocking me. Once, I remember, someone put a cup to my lips and I drank. A black face grinned into minea devils face, I thought it, and screamed out. Then dreams againlong troubled dreams in which I vainly sought Harry Rayburn to warn himwarn himwhat of? I did not know myself. But there was some dangersome great dangerand I alone could save him. Then darkness again, merciful darkness, and real sleep. I woke at last myself again. The long nightmare was over. I remembered perfectly everything that had happened, my hurried flight from the hotel to meet Harry, the man in the shadows and that last terrible moment of falling.  By some miracle or other I had not been killed. I was bruised and aching and very weak, but I was alive. But where was I? Moving my head with difficulty I looked round me. I was in a small room with rough wooden walls. On them were hung skins of animals and various tusks of ivory. I was lying on a kind of rough couch, also covered with skins, and my left arm was bandaged up and felt stiff and uncomfortable. At first I thought I was alone, and then I saw a mans figure sitting between me and the light, his head turned toward the window. He was so still that he might have been carved out of wood. Something in the closecropped black head was familiar to me, but I did not dare to let my imagination run astray. Suddenly he turned, and I caught my breath. It was Harry Rayburn. Harry Rayburn in the flesh. He rose and came over to me. Feeling better? he said a trifle awkwardly. I could not answer. The tears were running down my face. I was weak still, but I held his hand in both of mine. If only I could die like this, whilst he stood there looking down on me with that new look in his eyes. Dont cry, Anne. Please dont cry. Youre safe now. No one shall hurt you. He went and fetched a cup and brought it to me. Drink some of this milk. I drank obediently. He went on talking in a low coaxing tone such as he might have used to a child. Dont ask any more questions now. Go to sleep again. Youll be stronger by and by. Ill go away if you like. No, I said urgently. No, no. Then Ill stay. He brought a small stool over beside me and sat there. He laid his hand over mine, and, soothed and comforted, I dropped off to sleep once more. It must have been evening then, but when I woke again the sun was high in the heavens. I was alone in the hut, but as I stirred an old native woman came running in. She was hideous as sin, but she grinned at me encouragingly. She brought me water in a basin and helped me wash my face and hands. Then she brought me a large bowl of soup, and I finished it every drop! I asked her several questions, but she only grinned and nodded and chattered away in a guttural language, so I gathered she knew no English. Suddenly she stood up and drew back respectfully as Harry Rayburn entered. He gave her a nod of dismissal and she went out leaving us alone. He smiled at me. Really better today! Yes, indeed, but very bewildered still. Where am I? Youre on a small island on the Zambesi about four miles up from the falls. Dodo my friends know Im here? He shook his head. I must send word to them. That is as you like of course, but if I were you I should wait until you are a little stronger. Why? He did not answer immediately, so I went on. How long have I been here? His answer amazed me. Nearly a month. Oh! I cried. I must send word to Suzanne. Shell be terribly anxious. Who is Suzanne? Mrs. Blair. I was with her and Sir Eustace and Colonel Race at the hotelbut you knew that surely? He shook his head. I know nothing, except that I found you, caught in the fork of a tree, unconscious and with a badly wrenched arm. Where was the tree? Overhanging the ravine. But for your clothes catching on the branches, you would infallibly have been dashed to pieces. I shuddered. Then a thought struck me. You say you didnt know I was there. What about the note then? What note? The note you sent me, asking me to meet you in the clearing. He stared at me. I sent no note. I felt myself flushing up to the roots of my hair. Fortunately he did not seem to notice. How did you come to be on the spot in such a marvellous manner? I asked in as nonchalant a manner as I could assume. And what are you doing in this part of the world, anyway? I live here, he said simply. On this island? Yes, I came here after the war. Sometimes I take parties from the hotel out in my boat, but it costs me very little to live, and mostly I do as I please. You live here all alone? I am not pining for society, I assure you, he replied coldly. I am sorry to have inflicted mine upon you, I retorted, but I seem to have had very little to say in the matter. To my surprise his eyes twinkled a little. None whatever. I slung you across my shoulders like a sack of coal and carried you to my boat. Quite like a primitive man of the Stone Age. But for a different reason, I put in. He flushed this time, a deep burning blush. The tan of his face was suffused. But you havent told me how you came to be wandering about so conveniently for me? I said hastily, to cover his confusion. I couldnt sleep. I was restlessdisturbedhad the feeling something was going to happen. In the end I took the boat and came ashore and tramped down towards the falls. I was just at the head of the palm gully when I heard you scream. Why didnt you get help from the hotel instead of carting me all the way here? I asked. He flushed again. I suppose it seems an unpardonable liberty to youbut I dont think that even now you realize your danger! You think I should have informed your friends? Pretty friends, who allowed you to be decoyed out to death. No, I swore to myself that Id take better care of you than anyone else could. Not a soul comes to this island. I got old Batani, whom I cured of a fever once, to come and look after you. Shes loyal. Shell never say a word. I could keep you here for months and no one would ever know. I could keep you here for months and no one would ever know! How some words please one! You did quite right, I said quietly. And I shall not send word to anyone. A day or so more anxiety doesnt make much difference. Its not as though they were my own people. Theyre only acquaintances reallyeven Suzanne. And whoever wrote that note must have knowna great deal. It was not the work of an outsider. I managed to mention the note this time without blushing at all. If you would be guided by me  he said, hesitating. I dont expect I shall be, I answered candidly. But theres no harm in hearing. Do you always do what you like, Miss Beddingfeld? Usually, I replied cautiously. To anyone else I would have said always. I pity your husband, he said unexpectedly. You neednt, I retorted. I shouldnt dream of marrying anyone unless I was madly in love with them. And of course there is really nothing a woman enjoys so much as doing all the things she doesnt like for the sake of someone she does like. And the more selfwilled she is, the more she likes it. Im afraid I disagree with you. The boot is on the other leg as a rule. He spoke with a slight sneer. Exactly, I cried eagerly. And thats why there are so many unhappy marriages. Its all the fault of the men. Either they give way to their womenand then the women despise them, or else they are utterly selfish, insist on their own way and never say thank you. Successful husbands make their wives do just what they want, and then make a frightful fuss of them for doing it. Women like to be mastered, but they hate not to have their sacrifices appreciated. On the other hand, men dont really appreciate women who are nice to them all the time. When I am married, I shall be a devil most of the time, but every now and then, when my husband least expects it, I shall show him what a perfect angel I can be! Harry laughed outright. What a cat and dog life you will lead. Lovers always fight, I assured him. Because they dont understand each other. And by the time they do understand each other they arent in love any more. Does the reverse hold true? Are people who fight each other always lovers? II dont know, I said, momentarily confused. He turned away to the fireplace. Like some more soup? he asked in a casual tone. Yes, please. Im so hungry that I could eat a hippopotamus. Thats good. He busied himself with the fire; I watched. When I can get off the couch, Ill cook for you, I promised. I dont suppose you know anything about cooking. I can warm up things out of tins as well as you can, I retorted, pointing to a row of tins on the mantelpiece. Touch, he said, and laughed. His whole face changed when he laughed. It became boyish, happya different personality. I enjoyed my soup. As I ate it I reminded him that he had not, after all, tendered me his advice. Ah, yes, what I was going to say was this. If I were you I would stay quietly perdu here until you are quite strong again. Your enemies will believe you dead. They will hardly be surprised at not finding the body. It would have been dashed to pieces on the rocks and carried down with the torrent. I shivered. Once you are completely restored to health, you can journey quietly on to Beira and get a boat to take you back to England. That would be very tame, I objected scornfully. There speaks a foolish schoolgirl. Im not a foolish schoolgirl, I cried indignantly. Im a woman. He looked at me with an expression I could not fathom as I sat up flushed and excited. God help me, so you are, he muttered, and went abruptly out. My recovery was rapid. The two injuries I had sustained were a knock on the head and a badly wrenched arm. The latter was the most serious and, to begin with, my rescuer had believed it to be actually broken. A careful examination, however, convinced him that it was not so, and although it was very painful I was recovering the use of it quite quickly. It was a strange time. We were cut off from the world, alone together as Adam and Eve might have beenbut with what a difference! Old Batani hovered about counting no more than a dog might have done. I insisted on doing the cooking, or as much of it as I could manage with one arm. Harry was out a good part of the time, but we spent long hours together lying out in the shade of the palms, talking and quarrellingdiscussing everything under high heaven, quarrelling and making it up again. We bickered a good deal, but there grew up between us a real and lasting comradeship such as I could never have believed possible. Thatand something else. The time was drawing near, I knew it, when I should be well enough to leave and I realized it with a heavy heart. Was he going to let me go? Without a word? Without a sign? He had fits of silence, long moody intervals, moments when he would spring up and tramp off by himself. One evening the crisis came. We had finished our simple meal and were sitting in the doorway of the hut. The sun was sinking. Hairpins were necessities of life with which Harry had not been able to provide me, and my hair, straight and black, hung to my knees. I sat, my chin on my hands, lost in meditation. I felt rather than saw Harry looking at me. You look like a witch, Anne, he said at last, and there was something in his voice that had never been there before. He reached out his hand and just touched my hair. I shivered. Suddenly he sprang up with an oath. You must leave here tomorrow, do you hear? he cried. II cant bear any more. Im only a man after all. You must go, Anne. You must. Youre not a fool. You know yourself that this cant go on. I suppose not, I said slowly. Butits been happy, hasnt it? Happy? Its been hell! As bad as that! What do you torment me for? Why are you mocking at me? Why do you say thatlaughing into your hair? I wasnt laughing. And Im not mocking. If you want me to go, Ill go. But if you want me to stayIll stay. Not that! he cried vehemently. Not that. Dont tempt me, Anne. Do you realize what I am? A criminal twice over. A man hunted down. They know me here as Harry Parkerthey think Ive been away on a trek up country, but any day they may put two and two togetherand then the blow will fall. Youre so young, Anne, and so beautifulwith the kind of beauty that sends men mad. All the worlds before youlove, life, everything. Mines behind mescorched, spoiled, with a taste of bitter ashes. If you dont want me You know I want you. You know that Id give my soul to pick you up in my arms and keep you here, hidden away from the world, forever and ever. And youre tempting me, Anne. You, with your long witchs hair, and your eyes that are golden and brown and green and never stop laughing even when your mouth is grave. But Ill save you from yourself and from me. You shall go tonight. You shall go to Beira Im not going to Beira, I interrupted. You are. You shall go to Beira if I have to take you there myself and throw you on to the boat. What do you think Im made of? Do you think Ill wake up night after night, fearing theyve got you? One cant go on counting on miracles happening. You must go back to England, Anneandand marry and be happy. With a steady man wholl give me a good home! Better that thanutter disaster. And what of you? His face grew grim and set. Ive got my work ready to hand. Dont ask what it is. You can guess, I dare say. But Ill tell you thisIll clear my name, or die in the attempt, and Ill choke the life out of the damned scoundrel who did his best to murder you the other night. We must be fair, I said. He didnt actually push me over. Hed no need to. His plan was cleverer than that. I went up to the path afterwards. Everything looked all right, but by the marks on the ground I saw that the stones which outline the path had been taken up and put down again in a slightly different place. There are tall bushes growing just over the edge. Hed balanced the outside stones on them, so that youd think you were still on the path when in reality you were stepping into nothingness. God help him if I lay my hands upon him! He paused a minute and then said in a totally different tone Weve never spoken of these things, Anne, have we? But the times come. I want you to hear the whole storyfrom the beginning. If it hurts you to go over the past, dont tell me, I said in a low voice. But I want you to know. I never thought I should speak of that part of my life to anyone. Funny, isnt it, the tricks fate plays? He was silent for a minute or two. The sun had set, and the velvety darkness of the African night was enveloping us like a mantle. Some of it I know, I said gently. What do you know? I know that your real name is Harry Lucas. Still he hesitatednot looking at me, but staring straight out in front of him. I had no clue as to what was passing in his mind, but at last he jerked his head forward as though acquiescing in some unspoken decision of his own and began his story. XXVI You are right. My real name is Harry Lucas. My father was a retired soldier who came out to farm in Rhodesia. He died when I was in my second year at Cambridge. Were you fond of him? I asked suddenly. I  dont know. Then he flushed and went on with sudden vehemence Why do I say that? I did love my father. We said bitter things to each other the last time I saw him, and we had many rows over my wildness and my debts, but I cared for the old man. I know how much nowwhen its too late, he continued more quietly. It was at Cambridge that I met the other fellow Young Eardsley? Yesyoung Eardsley. His father, as you know, was one of South Africas most prominent men. We drifted together at once, my friend and I. We had our love of South Africa in common and we both had a taste for the untrodden places of the world. After he left Cambridge, Eardsley had a final quarrel with his father. The old man had paid his debts twice, he refused to do so again. There was a bitter scene between them. Sir Laurence declared himself at the end of his patiencehe would do no more for his son. He must stand on his own legs for a while. The result was, as you know, that those two young men went off to South America together, prospecting for diamonds. Im not going into that now, but we had a wonderful time out there. Hardships in plenty, you understand, but it was a good lifea handtomouth scramble for existence far from the beaten trackand, my God! thats the place to know a friend. There was a bond forged between us two out there that only death could have broken. Well, as Colonel Race told you, our efforts were crowned with success. We found a second Kimberley in the heart of the British Guiana jungles. I cant tell you our elation. It wasnt so much the actual value in money of the findyou see, Eardsley was used to money, and he knew that when his father died he would be a millionaire, and Lucas had always been poor and was used to it. No, it was the sheer delight of discovery. He paused, and then added, almost apologetically You dont mind my telling it this way, do you? As though I wasnt in it at all. It seems like that now when I look back and see those two boys. I almost forget that one of them wasHarry Rayburn. Tell it any way you like, I said, and he went on We came to Kimberleyvery cockahoop over our find. We brought a magnificent selection of diamonds with us to submit to the experts. And thenin the hotel at Kimberleywe met her  I stiffened a little, and the hand that rested on the doorpost clenched itself involuntarily. Anita Grnbergthat was her name. She was an actress. Quite young and very beautiful. She was South African born, but her mother was a Hungarian, I believe. There was some sort of mystery about her, and that, of course, heightened her attraction for two boys home from the wilds. She must have had an easy task. We both fell for her right away, and we both took it hard. It was the first shadow that had ever come between usbut even then it didnt weaken our friendship. Each of us, I honestly believe, was willing to stand aside for the other to go in and win. But that wasnt her game. Sometimes, afterwards, I wondered why it hadnt been, for Sir Laurence Eardsleys only son was quite a parti. But the truth of it was that she was marriedto a sorter in De Beersthough nobody knew of it. She pretended enormous interests in our discovery, and we told her all about it and even showed her the diamonds. Delilahthats what she should have been calledand she played her part well! The De Beers robbery was discovered, and like a thunderclap the police came down upon us. They seized our diamonds. We only laughed at firstthe whole thing was so absurd. And then the diamonds were produced in courtand without question they were the stones stolen from De Beers. Anita Grnberg had disappeared. She had effected the substitution neatly enough, and our story that these were not the stones originally in our possession was laughed to scorn. Sir Laurence Eardsley had enormous influence. He succeeded in getting the case dismissedbut it left two young men ruined and disgraced to face the world with the stigma of thief attached to their names, and it pretty well broke the old fellows heart. He had one bitter interview with his son in which he heaped upon him every reproach imaginable. He had done what he could to save the family name, but from that day on his son was his son no longer. He cast him off utterly. And the boy, like the proud young fool that he was, remained silent, disdaining to protest his innocence in the face of his fathers disbelief. He came out furious from the interviewhis friend was waiting for him. A week later war was declared. The two friends enlisted together. You know what happened. The best pal a man ever had was killed, partly through his own mad recklessness in rushing into unnecessary danger. He died with his name tarnished.  I swear to you, Anne, that it was mainly on his account that I was so bitter against that woman. It had gone deeper with him than with me. I had been madly in love with her for the momentI even think that I frightened her sometimesbut with him it was a quieter and deeper feeling. She had been the very centre of his universeand her betrayal of him tore up the very roots of life. The blow stunned him and left him paralyzed. Harry paused. After a minute or two he went on As you know, I was reported missing, presumed killed. I never troubled to correct the mistake. I took the name of Parker and came to this island, which I knew of old. At the beginning of the war, I had had ambitious hopes of proving my innocence, but now all that spirit seemed dead. All I felt was, Whats the good? My pal was dead, neither he nor I had any living relations who would care. I was supposed to be dead too, let it remain at that. I led a peaceful existence here, neither happy nor unhappynumbed of all feeling. I see now, though I did not realize it at the time, that that was partly the effect of the war. And then one day something occurred to wake me right up again. I was taking a party of people in my boat on a trip up the river, and I was standing at the landing stage, helping them in, when one of the men uttered a startled exclamation. It focused my attention on him. He was a small, thin man with a beard, and he was staring at me for all he was worth as though I was a ghost. So powerful was his emotion that it awakened my curiosity. I made inquiries about him at the hotel and learned that his name was Carton, that he came from Kimberley, and that he was a diamond sorter employed by De Beers. In a minute all the old sense of wrong surged over me again. I left the island and went to Kimberley. I could find out little more about him, however. In the end, I decided that I must force an interview. I took my revolver with me. In the brief glimpse I had had of him, I had realized that he was a physical coward. No sooner were we face to face than I recognized that he was afraid of me. I soon forced him to tell me all he knew. He had engineered part of the robbery and Anita Grnberg was his wife. He had once caught sight of both of us when we were dining with her at the hotel, and, having read that I was killed, my appearance in the flesh at the falls had startled him badly. He and Anita had married quite young, but she had soon drifted away from him. She had got in with a bad lot, he told meand it was then for the first time that I heard of the Colonel. Carton himself had never been mixed up in anything except this one affairso he solemnly assured me, and I was inclined to believe him. He was emphatically not of the stuff of which successful criminals are made. I still had the feeling that he was keeping back something. As a test, I threatened to shoot him there and then, declaring that I cared very little what became of me now. In a frenzy of terror he poured out a further story. It seems that Anita Grnberg did not quite trust the Colonel. Whilst pretending to hand over to him the stones she had taken from the hotel, she kept back some in her own possession. Carton advised her, with his technical knowledge, which to keep. If, at any time, these stones were produced, they were of such colour and quality as to be readily identifiable, and the experts at De Beers would admit at once that these stones had never passed through their hands. In this way my story of a substitution would be supported, my name would be cleared, and suspicion would be diverted to the proper quarter. I gathered that, contrary to his usual practice, the Colonel himself had been concerned in this affair, therefore Anita felt satisfied that she had a real hold over him, should she need it. Carton now proposed that I should make a bargain with Anita Grnberg, or Nadina, as she now called herself. For a sufficient sum of money he thought that she would be willing to give up the diamonds and betray her former employer. He would cable to her immediately. I was still suspicious of Carton. He was a man whom it was easy enough to frighten, but who, in his fright, would tell so many lies that to sift the truth out from them would be no easy job. I went back to the hotel and waited. By the following evening I judged that he would have received the reply to his cable. I called round at his house and was told that Mr. Carton was away, but would be returning on the morrow. Instantly I became suspicious. In the nick of time I found out that he was in reality sailing for England on the Kilmorden Castle, which left Cape Town in two days time. I had just time to journey down and catch the same boat. I had no intention of alarming Carton by revealing my presence on board. I had done a good deal of acting in my time at Cambridge, and it was comparatively easy for me to transform myself into a grave bearded gentleman of middle age. I avoided Carton carefully on board the boat, keeping to my own cabin as far as possible under the pretence of illness. I had no difficulty in trailing him when we got to London. He went straight to an hotel and did not go out until the following day. He left the hotel shortly before one oclock. I was behind him.