"Soon after the bank was opened yesterday, a respectable-looking individual, accompanied by three others, who were introduced to the manager as private detectives, put in an appearance and presented the Relief Fund’s cheque at the counter. In reply to inquiries the letter written by the Marquis was produced, and the signet ring shown. Never for a moment doubting that these were the messengers the bank had all along been told to expect, the money was handed over and placed in a handsome private omnibus which was waiting outside. It was not until late last night, when a telegram was received from the Marquis of Laverstock from Plymouth, that the nature of the gigantic fraud which had been perpetrated was discovered. The police authorities were immediately communicated with and the matter placed in their hands. Unfortunately, however, so many hours had been allowed to elapse that it was extremely difficult to obtain any clue that might ultimately lead to the identification of the parties concerned in the fraud. So far the case bids fair to rank with those other mysterious robberies which, during the last few months, have shocked and puzzled all England." "I regard that as a remarkably able exposition of the case," said Carne to himself with a smile as he laid the paper down, "but what an account the man would be able to write if only he could know what is in my safe upstairs!" That afternoon he attended a committee meeting of the fund at Weltershall House. The unfortunate nobleman whose unpleasant experience had founded the subject of this story was present. Carne was among the first to offer him an expression of sympathy. "I don’t know that I ever heard of a more outrageous case," he said. "I only hope that the scoundrels may be soon brought to justice." "In the meantime what about the poor people we intended to help?" asked Lady Weltershall. "They shall not lose," replied Lord Laverstock. "I shall refund the entire amount myself." "No, no, my lord; that would be manifestly unfair," said Simon Carne. "We are all trustees of the fund and what happened is as much our faults as yours. If nine other people will do the same I am prepared to contribute a sum of ten thousand pounds towards the fund." "I will follow your example," said the Marquis. "I also," continued Lord Amberley. By nightfall seven other gentleman had done the same, and, as Simon Carne said as he totalled the amounts: "By this means the Canary Islanders will not be losers after all." *CHAPTER VIII.* *AN IMPERIAL FINALE.*